1-Tourism Development Guide

Tourism A guide to help navigate the tourism
development process
Development
Guide
Cautionary Note for Use of This Document
Cautionary Note for Use of This Document

Information provided in this booklet is solely for the user’s information and, while
thought to be accurate, is provided strictly “as is” and without warranty of any kind,
either express or implied. The Crown, its agents, employees or contractors, will not be
liable to you for any damages, direct or indirect, or lost profits arising out of your use of
information provided in this booklet.
If you have any comments relative to this guide, please contact:
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation

Tourism Business Development, Research and Investment Branch
6th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 – 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6
Telephone: (780) 422-4991
or 310-0000 (toll free anywhere in Alberta)
Website: www.tpr.alberta.ca
Cautionary Note for Use of This Document 1

Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
This guide has been in existence since 1991 and has been through regular updates during
this time.
The content in the guide has been reviewed through various Alberta government
departments including:
• Culture and Community Spirit
• Environment
• Municipal Affairs
• Sustainable Resource Development
• Tourism, Parks and Recreation
This guide examines the Alberta tourism industry and provides a thorough analysis of
tourism development in the province. The information abides by the regulations set by
municipal, provincial and federal governments, making it a practical tool for the first-
time tourism developer.
The guide serves merely as an information guide, and prospective developers are
encouraged to undertake their own independent research and feasibility assessments to
ascertain the viability of their specific projects.
While efforts were made to update the various components in this guide, there is no
guarantee that all the required updates were captured or that changes will not occur with
regards to the various processes, contacts and regulations/permits outlined in this guide.
It is the responsibility of the developer/entrepreneur to check on permits, regulations and
approval processes for his/her particular tourism opportunity.
2 Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cautionary Note for Use of This Document 1
Acknowledgement 2
Section I: Introduction 6
The Alberta Tourism Industry 6
What’s Unique about Tourism Development 7
Why a Step-By-Step Guide Is Needed 8
When Professional Help Is Needed 8
The Basic Components of Development Analysis: Feasibility 9
Chart 1 – Basic Components of Development Analysis 10
Section II: Defining the Project 12

Initial Look at Market Supply and Demand 12
Initial Look at the Development Process 12
Developing a Business Concept 14
Examining Options For Land-Based Developments 15
Resource Assessments 15
Environmental Assessment Process 16
Historic Resource Impact Assessments (HRIA) 16
Aboriginal Consultation Process 17
The Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing (ATRL) Process 18
Commercial Trail Riding 20
Leasing in Kananaskis Country 20
Land-Use Framework 21
Opportunities within Provincial Parks
and Recreation Areas 21
Leasing Federal Land 22
Summary 23
Table of Contents 3
Table of Contents
Section III: Information Collection and Evaluation 24

Project Feasibility 24
Getting Started 24
Checklist of Essential Business Research 27
Chart 2 – Essential Research 27
Tourism Market Analysis 28
Types of Tourism Markets 28
Demand Analysis 29
Supply Analysis 29
Market Evaluation 30
Project Site Evaluation 37
Location Analysis 38
Physical Resource Analysis 40
Infrastructure Needs and Availability 42
Building and Land Development Requirements 45
Summing It Up – A Site Evaluation Matrix 47
Financial Analysis 48
Chart 3 – Financial Analysis Steps 48
Financial Analysis – Check Lists 48
The Bottom Line - Evaluating Business Feasibility 52
Starting a New Business vs. Purchasing
an Existing Business 53
Approaching Lending Agencies 55
Section IV: The Key Plans 58

Packaging and Presentation 58
Business Plan 59
Marketing Plan 60
Conceptual Development Plan 61
4 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Section V: Development and Licensing Approvals 63

Anticipating the Approvals Needed 63
Preparation – Get Your Information Together 63
Gaining Local Support 64
Overview of the Development Process 64
Sequence of Approvals 64
Be Prepared For Setbacks 65
The Main Players and Areas of Responsibility 65
Chart 4 – General Sequence of Approvals 65
Chart 5 – Tourism Projects Development Approval Process 67
Municipal and Local Approvals 68
Chart 6 - Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Area
Structure Plan 71
Chart 7 – The Subdivision Process 72
Appeal Procedures 72
Licensing and Operating Requirements 73
Federal Government Requirements 75
Insurance 76
Summary Checklist of Approvals Needed 76
Construction 78
Chart 8 – Construction and Business Start-Up 79
Section VI: Contacts and Resources 82

Federal Government Agencies 82
Provincial Agencies 84
Other Important Contacts 95
Table of Contents 5
Section I: Introduction
This guide has been prepared to assist anyone who is considering developing a tourism
business in Alberta. The information provided is geared towards the first-time tourism
operator, who may not be experienced with the development process in the Province
of Alberta. For experienced operators, the guide can serve to outline the development
process.
All prospective developers are encouraged to read the complete guide before proceeding
and then use each section as a workbook during the relevant step in the process.
Charts are used throughout the guide to illustrate the development process. Checklists are
used to highlight some of the many questions tourism entrepreneurs must ask themselves
as they evaluate the potential risks and rewards of a prospective development.
To assist you in preparing your concept and business plan, a comprehensive list of
contacts and information sources is provided as the final section of the guide.
To further assist you in your tourism business research there are two other supporting
guides available through Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (ATPR):
• Tourism Business Planning Guide

• Tourism Funding Sources Guide
All prospective These guides are also available on CD and on ATPR’s website: www.tpr.alberta.ca
developers are
encouraged The Alberta Tourism Industry
to read the
complete Tourism is both an important and growing industry. It is becoming increasingly
sophisticated, as evidenced by the varied segments and products that comprise the
guide before industry. The Canadian Tourism Commission reports that in 2007, tourism generated
proceeding $70.8 billion in tourism expenditures in Canada, which supported numerous large and
and then use small businesses. The importance of tourism to the Alberta economy is illustrated by the
fact that in 2007, tourism expenditures accounted for $5.64 billion, of which 53% was
each section from Alberta residents, 22% from other Canadian provinces and 25% from international
as a workbook visitors. In Alberta the tourism industry employs over 111,000 people and attracts millions
during the of visitors each year.
relevant step in To facilitate this important industry, ATPR is committed to facilitating the profitability
and sustainability of existing tourism operators, as well as the entry of new operators
the process. into the tourism sector. We encourage the development of new destinations and tourism
products through positioning land for tourism development, providing assistance with
the regulatory processes, encouraging a supportive policy environment, and actively
6 Section I: Introduction
promoting tourism investment in Alberta. We also encourage visitation to Alberta through

the provision of tourism information and travel counseling.
The tourism industry is largely comprised of facilities, attractions and events designed
to interest traveling Albertans and the many non-resident visitors who come to our
province each year. It includes a transportation infrastructure capable of moving people
efficiently from their place of residence or business to their desired destination. The
common objective of both government and industry is to meet the needs and exceed the
expectations of visitors through market driven tourism development.
The tourism industry must respond to the changing wants and needs of consumers and
stakeholders; tourism operators must be responsive to these trends. Successful business
models today reflect a holistic approach to development and governance. With your
business philosophy and model, consider the effect your concept may have on the
environment and community, and what is your social obligation to positively work within
these boundaries.
Tourism represents an area of significant business opportunity in Alberta. This

development guide is designed to help you formulate your tourism development plans,
whether you are a for-profit business, community or non-profit organization.
While reference is made to “tourism businesses” in this guidebook, the same basic
business planning principals have relevance to communities and non-profit organizations
undertaking tourism development projects (e.g. museums, interpretive centres).
What’s Unique about Tourism Development

Developing a tourism business differs significantly from developing a more typical retail
or service operation. Some of the unique things about tourism development are:
• The target market is more difficult to define because it is subject to changing trends.
• Seasonality of demand. Peaks and troughs; high and low seasons.
• The weather. Weather is always unpredictable.
• The varying expectations of consumers.
• Longer-term market development. Very few new tourism businesses achieve maximum
capacity usage in the first years of start-up.
• High fixed costs. Many tourism businesses have a high fixed cost component.
• Co-operative nature of competition. Because tourism businesses are often located
in a tourism destination region, they often work collaboratively to promote their
destination.
• Single use nature of assets. Accommodation facilities in particular have limited
alternative uses for the asset.
• Highly capital intensive. Many tourism businesses require large up-front capital
investment.
Tourism products are also extremely diverse. They may involve extensive land
development and the construction of several buildings such as for a resort hotel. At the
opposite end of the spectrum are those tourism businesses which own no land and few, if
any, buildings e.g., heli-skiing, river rafting and horseback riding operations. The scale
of tourism developments is equally diverse, from a small owner operated boat rental
outfit to a multi-million dollar four-season resort.
A final aspect that is unique to tourism development is that many developments take
place in less accessible locations or less populated areas in order to take advantage of
Alberta’s scenic beauty. This means that a developer must often evaluate unusual access
or servicing requirements. This guide will help you assess, plan and implement your
tourism project.
Why a Step-By-Step Guide Is Needed

The first step towards establishing a viable tourism operation is planning. A clearly
defined, properly researched and evaluated project has a much greater chance of success.
This guide sets out a series of steps to help assess the viability of your project.
Developing your idea for a tourism business also means

you must make decisions as to how much time and money
you are willing to invest. Research is the foundation
on which an informed decision to proceed with your
development or project can be made. It may be necessary
at any step to revise the concept, look for a different site,
consider a different product or service, look for different
partners or alternative means of financing. Making these
kinds of changes along the way indicates that you are
giving the project the critical evaluation it requires.
When Professional Help

Is Needed
Much of the information needed for undertaking a
comprehensive development analysis is readily available
Various government sources can in the public domain. Various government sources
can provide considerable background material such as
provide considerable background statistical data, industry trends and information on how to
material such as statistical data, prepare a business plan and financial forecasts.
industry trends and information on Depending on the nature of your tourism business,
how to prepare a business plan and you may be able to gather the necessary information to
develop a concept and bring the project to completion on
financial forecasts.
your own. However, for some ventures, professional help
is recommended, for example:
• A new or unique product or service may benefit from formal market research and
evaluation by a consulting firm.
• Projects aimed at international markets may benefit from evaluation by an advisor

with foreign expertise.
• A complex building project should have professional design plans and cost
estimates.
• A development in a remote area may require professional engineering or geo-technical

evaluation to determine site suitability or servicing costs.
• Sometimes a third party assessment is required by an investor or lender to validate

your concept.
The Basic Components of Development

Analysis: Feasibility
A process for determining feasibility of a project is outlined below:
• It is important to determine at a very early stage if you can raise the necessary debt
and equity financing for the project. Lenders typically will not lend more than 50% of
the costs required to construct a new tourism project. Developers therefore must have
capital or be able to raise sufficient cash equity to undertake a tourism project.
• Review your idea in terms of the current market supply, demand and trends. Identify
who your customers are, what they want, where they are located and what is currently
available to meet their wants and needs.
• Develop a business concept by defining a specific customer-targeted tourism
development project. Examine land options available.
• Evaluate the concept. Start with market and financial analysis, and continue with
potential location, land-base accessibility and site analysis. To be successful, a tourism
development should have a positive evaluation in all three components.
• Go, no-go decision. This is the time that you take a hard look at what you have
uncovered to-date and make the decision to proceed or not proceed with the project.
• Prepare a comprehensive project plan that includes a marketing plan, a business plan
and a physical concept plan. The project plan is the summary of your evaluations and
will be the basis for approvals from development authorities and financing sources.
• Obtain necessary approvals from federal, provincial and municipal regulatory
authorities. Secure necessary funds from lenders and/or investors.
Chart 1 (page 10) illustrates the general development process. These steps have determined
the content of this guide. Each is addressed in a separate section that builds on earlier
information and offers explanations and contacts for working through that step.
Chart 1 – Basic Components of Development Analysis
Your Idea
Financing
Initial Review
Market Demand Market Supply
Develop a Business Concept Examine Land Options
Main Review
Market Analysis Financial Analysis Project Site Evaluation
Business Plan Physical Concept Plan
Development and Financing

Approvals
Your New Tourism Business
Also note, it seems to always take longer than initially anticipated to take an idea from
concept to reality, than planned.
As you work through the steps, be sure to keep a journal to keep track of the names
and positions of people contacted; collect application forms; and begin a co-operative
relationship with the many agencies you contact.
Your initial contact with tourism experts is a good time to ask for feedback on the overall
project and determine:
• What is the general attitude towards development in the particular area?
• Who is responsible for approvals?
• How long will approvals take?
• When should applications be submitted?
• Is there an appeal procedure?
• What are the potential challenges of the concept? Can these be realistically
addressed?
• What is your sustainable environmental/green position?
Notes and Comments
Section II: Defining The Project
Section II: Defining the Project
Initial Look at Market Supply and Demand

At the beginning of the development process, there is usually a good idea or an intuitive
“gut-feeling” that a certain facility or service makes sense, or that a certain location has
potential for tourist activities. This is an important place to stop, ask questions, and do
some brainstorming with people knowledgeable about similar developments.
Before proceeding into detailed development analysis, it is critical to determine who the
potential customers are for this facility or service (the target market), and whether their
demand is already being met by other businesses. If this preliminary market analysis
does not favour development it is wise to rethink the initial concept.
Ask yourself these questions:

• What competing facilities or services are in the area? How many are there? Are they
full-time or seasonal operations? Have these operations been successful?
• What is the nature of the tourist traffic in the area – who visits, how long do they stay,
what services do they use? Has tourist traffic to the area been increasing, decreasing
or holding its own over the last several years? What share of the tourist market do you
think your business will capture?
• If this is a new type of tourism business for an area that has not previously been
developed for tourism, what information do you have that supports its potential to
bring tourists to the area? Have other facilities failed in similar circumstances? Why
do you think you can succeed?
You can answer many of these questions by talking to other tourism operators and
agencies/organizations involved in tourism development.
Several good sources for tourism research and business information can be found at:
• ATPR’s website: www.tpr.alberta.ca
• Travel Alberta’s website: www.industry.travelalberta.com
• The Business Link website: www.canadabusiness.ab.ca
Initial Look at the Development Process

It is a good idea to have alternative locations for your project in mind, particularly if you
are looking at developing a land-based project such as a golf course or a guest ranch.
12 Section II: Defining The Project

The land base of Alberta is a mix of public and private

land. There are a number of procedures for gaining lease
rights to public land and these will affect the length and
complexity of the overall development process.
Land-use planning, subdivision and development control

are the responsibilities of Alberta’s municipalities. But
both the provincial government and municipalities
have a role in land management planning and decision-
making. Refer to the section on “Examining Options for
Land-based Developments,” for more information.
Tourism, Parks and Recreation is responsible for land

management planning on parks and protected areas,
while all other public lands are under the management
of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD),
www.srd.alberta.ca. Municipalities are responsible for
land use planning on privately owned land. In addition, If the initial review of the market looks
they are responsible for orderly development within the positive and the development process
municipality on both public lands and private lands,
including residential subdivision developments, zoning, looks workable, a clearly defined project
bylaw creation and enforcements, and for issuing should be outlined.
municipal development permits.
It is suggested that developments will always require

some degree of access to the land whether it is a staging
area for river rafting or heli-skiing or activities that have
a broader footprint.
It is prudent to be aware of the procedures involved in obtaining approvals for a

development on a land base in that “perfect” location. General information on the land
use planning approval process is available from Alberta Municipal Affairs at: www.
municipalaffairs.alberta.ca
Early thought should be given to the review process that may be needed for land-based
developments. Investigate the criteria and government requirements. For example,
the Environmental Assessment Process (EAP) and a Natural Resources Conservation
Board (NRCB) review may be required. A development must always consider the social,
economic and environmental outcomes and impacts on a particular site and adjacent
areas/communities. Information on the Environmental Assessment Process (EAP) is
available from Alberta Environment: www.environment.alberta.ca or by dialing the
Government of Alberta Toll free line 310-0000 or (780) 422-1977.
Further information on the NRCB process is available at: www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca or by

dialing the Government of Alberta Toll free line 310-0000 or (780) 422-1977.
An early look at financing is also critical to the success of a development. It is wise to

examine the financial requirements of the total project as well as the current economic
health of the community in which the project will operate. For economic related data
and statistics, visit: www.albertafirst.com and www.albertacanada.com for helpful
information.
Section II: Defining The Project 13

A general idea of financial requirements should lead to an investigation into sources of

financing. Information can be obtained through a number of methods and from a variety
of sources, including ATPR’s website: www.tpr.alberta.ca and the Tourism Funding
Sources Guide.
Attention to this area will help you realistically assess the feasibility of undertaking your
proposed project.
In summary, the focus of this initial look at the development process should consist of:
• an examination of the land and development process involved;
• time required to move through the development process;
• a broad financial picture; and,
• a general idea of project timing.
Developing a Business Concept

If the initial review of the market looks positive and the development process looks
workable, a clearly defined project should be outlined. Remember to focus on one or two
key services and plan to do it well. This business concept can be simply stated as a goal,
for example:
• To build a resort with a lodge and cabins on a central Alberta lake and attract visitors
from the Edmonton area and offer an excellent customer experience;
• To build a sustainable campground facility providing a higher quality experience

while offering additional nature-based tourism opportunities that enhances visitors’
understanding;
• To open a mobile specialty ice cream and coffee “store” and attend all of the festivals
in Alberta; or
• To provide horseback rides on sustainable trails to the growing number of people on

package tours staying at a nearby foothills resort.
The original concept will likely be altered throughout the process as more site
information, development costs or licensing requirements become known. There may
not be a commitment to a specific location at this point – this will be the result of detailed
site analysis. An entrepreneur should, however, always maintain a clear statement of the
business concept.

Examining Options For Land-Based

Developments
Land is owned either privately (freehold), by government (municipal, provincial,
or federal), or by Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) groups. Private land can be
purchased or leased directly from the owner in confidential negotiations. An entrepreneur
will want to ascertain the willingness of the holder to sell or lease.
If you already hold a lease or title on a location, then the development process only
addresses the proposed use for the land and the improvements or changes required to
accommodate the desired facility.
For the purpose of leasing or purchase, Crown lands in Alberta are under one of the
following jurisdictions:
• Alberta Sustainable Resource Development - Lands Division.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation - Parks Division (within a provincial park or
provincial recreation area, regulated under the Provincial Parks Act).
• Federal Government lands (includes National Parks, Military reserves and some
airports).
• Alberta Transportation.
The process of acquiring public land in Alberta for commercial tourism purposes is
clearly identified. Acquiring a lease on publicly held (Crown) land is dependent on the
existing provincial policies and plans covering that area and the department that retains
responsibility for it.
Resource Assessments
As part of the information collection and evaluation stage, there are two resource
assessments that the proponent may be asked to produce.
Alberta Environment has responsibility for the Environmental Assessment Process (EAP)
and Alberta Culture and Community Spirit has responsibility for Historic Resource
Impact Assessments (HRIA). Both requirements have the power to halt the development
process for lack of compliance in submitting a satisfactory assessment or abiding by the
directives in the assessments.
The purpose of the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) Act is to conduct
impartial reviews of projects that will or may affect natural resources in Alberta to determine
if the projects are in the public interest. For applications requiring an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), Alberta Environment provides the NRCB with confirmation
that the EIA is complete for the purposes of meeting requirements under Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). Development proponents should contact the
NRCB to determine if their project falls within the mandate of the NRCB.

Environmental Assessment Process

In Alberta, laws are in place to regulate activities to protect the environment and human
health. Alberta Environment is responsible for two major Acts which accomplish this, the
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. Under these Acts,
many activities must obtain formal approval before they can begin operation. Depending
on the complexity or potential consequences of the project, another regulatory process is
in place to gather additional information to scrutinize a project. This is the Environmental
Assessment Process (EAP). For this process, proponents of tourism projects may be
required to prepare EAP reports e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
For those applications that include an EIA, the NRCB and Alberta Environment
establish a common statement of information requirements so the applicant can prepare
one submission in response to the needs of both the NRCB and Alberta Environment.
More detailed information on the preparation of EIA reports is available from Alberta
Environment.
Initial contact with Alberta Environment is strongly recommended. Proponents should
contact Alberta Environment early in their planning process to determine the appropriate
regulatory requirements. Through discussions with the proponent, other government
departments, related agencies and community leaders, the department will assess the
need to conduct EAP reports and determine the scope and contents of what should be
assessed.
Proponents should be aware that determining the need for the EAP and identifying its
scope and contents requires consultation with Alberta Environment and the public. The
initial information presented to the department and the public must be clear. It is strongly
recommended that prospective developers anticipate and address all concerns regarding
natural resources and community interests. Proponents need to determine if the EAP is
required for their project so its preparation can be incorporated into the project timeline.
Further information on the EAP process is available at: www.environment.alberta.

ca/1274 or contact Alberta Environment at the Alberta Environment Information Centre,
Government of Alberta Toll free 310-0000 or (780) 427-2700.
Historic Resource Impact Assessments (HRIA)

A historic resource review is part of the land leasing and development referral systems
within the government, including the Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing (ATRL)
process (please refer to the following section of the ATRL process). It reviews development
applications from a historic resource perspective.
Historic resources include archaeological and paleontological sites, historic buildings

and traditional Aboriginal use locations. In accordance with Section 37(2) of the Alberta
Historical Resources Act, the Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit (ACCS)
may require that a Historic Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) precede any proposed
activity likely to threaten the integrity of a historic resource. Once a report describing the
HRIA has been submitted to ACCS, the Minister may require avoidance of the threatened

historic resource, or allow the historic resource to be destroyed after sufficient study. The
proposed activity may proceed only after the Minister has issued clearance under the
Act.
It is the developer’s responsibility to make sure that Alberta Culture and Community
Spirit’s Historic Resources Management – Land Use Planning Section has seen and
given clearance to the development proposal. A legal description and concept plan are
usually all that are needed to determine whether an HRIA is required. The costs of the
HRIA and any subsequent mitigation or protection during construction are borne by the
developer. It is strongly recommended that this step be initiated early in the development
process. It is much easier to reposition a structure at the conceptual stage than at the
construction phase
The department has the legislative power to place a “Stop Work Order” on the project
so it is in your best interests to make sure the review process and subsequent guidelines
are followed.
Further information on the HRIA process is available at: www.culture.alberta.ca
Aboriginal Consultation Process

All developments including Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing Process (ATRL) As a matter of
consultation is conducted in accordance with Alberta’s First Nations Consultation best practice,
Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development. The Policy states that
Alberta will consult with First Nations where land management and resource development Alberta also
on provincial Crown land may infringe on First Nations Rights and Traditional Uses. encourages
Alberta is now requiring project proponents to provide written notification to First proponents to
Nations where there are potential adverse impacts to rights and traditional uses stemming engage First
from land management and resource development activities. Sufficient notification of
potentially affected First Nations is necessary to ensure consultation is conducted in a Nations early
meaningful way. Alberta also continues to strongly encourage early notification of First on in planning
Nations in the consultation process. proposed
As a matter of best practice, Alberta also encourages proponents to engage First Nations projects, where
early on in planning proposed projects, where possible, before applications are made.
This way, project proponents would largely complete First Nations consultation before
possible, before
the applicable regulatory timelines are activated. Approval processes may be delayed if applications are
consultation is not deemed by Alberta to be adequate. made.
More details can be found at: www.aboriginal.alberta.ca/571.cfm from the Department
of Aboriginal Relations.

The Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing

(ATRL) Process
The Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing (ATRL) Process is designed to administer
tourism and commercial recreation development applications on public land in a
comprehensive and timely manner that considers social, economic and environmental
outcomes that are articulated in local, regional and provincial plans and policies.
Two provincial departments are involved in the ATRL process:

• Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (overall process administration and land
management for public lands).
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (process administration).

Other government departments that may be considered relevant to your proposal are also
consulted.
Municipal governments are an important part of the process. They ensure that local
development regulations, standards and policies are maintained. Co-operation is required
between provincial government and municipalities to align desired outcomes.
You, the developer/applicant, will also be actively involved in the ATRL process.
Generally, ATRL applicants are private sector developments that offer tourism and
commercial recreation opportunities to the public and may involve any or all of the
following:
• a long term lease;
• permanent structures;
• public review (as determined by one of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development’s
local land managers); and,
• integration with existing land uses.

There are three stages:
Stage 1: Preparation, Submission and Review of Application

The applicant will:
• participate in a pre-application meeting with provincial government staff and the local
municipality;
• develop a detailed information package;

• submit a completed lease application form, detailed information package and other
required documents and fees; and
• notify the public of the proposed development.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development or Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation will
coordinate the review of the application with the land manager and all other reviewing
agencies.
The land manager will make a decision to recommend either the conditional approval or
rejection of the application.
Stage 2: Letter of Intent

If a conditional approval is recommended, a Letter of Intent will be issued, stating:
• the conditions that must be addressed; and,

• the regulatory approvals and permits that are required.
Stage 3: Lease Issuance

If the applicant meets the conditions and requirements of the Letter of Intent, then Alberta
Sustainable Resource Development issues a miscellaneous lease.
Who will Assist Me in the ATRL Process?

Government staff are available to assist you throughout the ATRL process. Contact the
Public Lands Division office nearest your proposed development area.
In addition, assistance can be obtained by contacting:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

Information Centre, Main floor
9920 - 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
Telephone: (780) 944-0313
Toll free: 1-877-944-0313
Fax: (780) 427-4407
Email: srd.infocent@gov.ab.ca
or

Tourism Division
Tourism Development Branch
10155 – 102 Street
Telephone: (780) 422-6544
Fax: (780) 427-0778
Email: tpr.communications@gov.ab.ca
Also, remember that any provincial government department can be called toll free
anywhere in Alberta at 310-0000.

How Do I Obtain More Information on the ATRL process?

Detailed ATRL process package and application forms are available from your nearest
Lands Division office. More information about Public Lands Act applications can be
viewed at: www.srd.alberta.ca
The ATRL process package and other information on how to start a tourism business are
also available and can be viewed at the Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation’s website:
www.tpr.alberta.ca
Commercial Trail Riding

Commercial Trail Riding (CTR) is enabled on public land managed by Alberta Sustainable
Resources, Public Lands Division (SRD) through commercial trail riding permits which
grant the holders temporary rights to access an approved area in order to conduct
commercial operations. Authorizations are also required for any land uses associated
with the commercial trail riding that may include base camps, overnight camping, and
temporary structures such as corrals.
The purpose of Information on the CTR program, including application procedures and areas open to
CTR operations can be obtained by contacting a local area Alberta SRD office. Additional
the Land-use information regarding trail riding in Alberta can also be found on the Alberta Outfitters
Framework is to Association website: www.albertaoutfitters.com or call toll free 1-800-742-5548.
manage growth, Commercial Trail Riding is also enabled within provincial parks. For information on
not stop it, Commercial Trail Riding within a provincial park, contact the local park warden: http://
gateway.cd.gov.ab.ca//contact.aspx or call toll free 1-866-427-3582.
and to sustain
the province’s
growing Leasing in Kananaskis Country
economy while
balancing this Development within Kananaskis Country is guided by the Kananaskis Country Recreation
Policy, 1999. New, large-scale developments are directed outside of Kananaskis. New
with Albertans’ facilities (small fixed-roof, camping) will be directed to nodes that are identified in
social and management plans. New facilities will be limited to a maximum of 15,000 square feet,
environmental including accommodation and support buildings, and cover less than three hectares.
Where there may be more than one qualified proponent, a call for proposal process may
goals. be used.
Proponents interested in developments in Kananaskis Country are advised to contact the

Regional Director of Kananaskis Country in Canmore, at (403) 678-5508. Preliminary
discussions with the Regional Director will enable proponents to determine what their
next step should be.

Land-Use Framework
The Alberta government has developed a Land-use Framework. The purpose of the
Land-use Framework is to manage growth, not stop it, and to sustain the province’s
growing economy, but balance this with Albertans’ social and environmental goals.
Therefore, the Alberta government must provide the kind of policy direction, guidelines
and opportunities that the local levels of government cannot. The Land-use Framework
will leave local decision-making authority with the same officials who currently exercise
it. However, in the future, these decisions will have to be consistent with regional plans.
Accordingly, the Land-use Framework consists of seven basic strategies to improve
land-use decision-making in Alberta. The seven strategies are:
• Develop seven regional land-use plans based on seven new land-use regions.
• Create a Land-use Secretariat and establish a Regional Advisory Council for each
region.
• Cumulative effects management will be used at the regional level to manage the
impacts of development on land, water and air.
• Develop a strategy for conservation and stewardship on private and public lands.
• Promote efficient use of land to reduce the footprint of human activities on Alberta’s
landscape.
• Establish an information, monitoring and knowledge system to contribute to continuous

improvement of land-use planning and decision-making.
• Inclusion of Aboriginal peoples in land-use planning.

More information can be found at: www.landuse.alberta.ca
Opportunities within Provincial Parks and

Recreation Areas
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation - Parks Division, is responsible for the
management and administration of provincial parks and provincial recreation areas.
These designated lands are managed for the purposes of preservation, outdoor recreation,
heritage appreciation and nature-based tourism.
Although land within provincial parks and provincial recreation areas is not available for
sale, contractual agreements can be obtained to facilitate the delivery of a service to the
public. For example, many parks and recreation area campgrounds are operated by the
private sector under contract.
Any tourism development opportunity identified in a provincial park would follow the
Land-use Framework and the new Plan for Parks strategy for development. Under the
Plan for Parks, a policy to encourage innovative private sector involvement in parks
will be developed in order to enhance and diversify visitor experiences. This includes

investing in existing facilities and/or developing new facilities*. It also involves creating
operational policies to guide the use of parks, such as the operation of motorized vehicles,
geocaching, horseback riding, hunting/outfitting, climbing and other activities.
*Facilities include campgrounds, picnic sites, trails, buildings, visitor centres, staging areas,
water and sewer systems, and all other infrastructure that supports park visitor experiences.
ATPR may identify a need that can best be met by the private sector. A call for proposals
is issued to ascertain the level of interest to provide this service. Depending on the
appropriateness and viability of the proposals received, an agreement may be entered
into with one of the proponents.
Proponents may propose the addition or enhancement of facilities to better serve the
public. The contract length may be extended to provide an incentive for this private
sector capitalization.
All inquiries for opportunities within provincial parks and recreation areas should be made
to ATPR - Parks Division toll free at 1-866-427-3582 or (780) 427-3582 in Edmonton.
If approved, the applicant and the province will enter into an agreement with specific
conditions to be applied. More information on development in parks can be found at
ATPR’s website: www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks
Leasing Federal Land

Federal land in the province includes Waterton Lakes, Banff, Jasper, Wood Buffalo and
Elk Island National Parks. Alberta’s Edmonton, Calgary and Springbank airports are
also on federal land, although they have been leased to the Edmonton Regional Airports
Authority (ERAA) and the Calgary Airport Authority (CAA) respectively.
Lands within the National Parks are managed by Parks Canada Agency. The Canada
National Parks Act requires each of Canada’s 39 national parks to prepare a management
plan, and, in consultation with Canadians, to update the plan every five years. Parks
Canada Agency also develops community plans for the park communities of Banff,
Jasper and Waterton.
These plans establish clear limits to development associated with appropriate activities
while preserving and strengthening the ecological integrity of national parks in a way
that integrates ecological, cultural, social, and economic values. Developers wishing
to investigate opportunities within the national parks should contact the local Park
Superintendent and town manager for the community. For inquiries outside of the town
sites, contact the Park Superintendent’s office. For contact information, check out the
Parks Canada website at: www.pc.gc.ca
All lands within National Parks are held under a lease. Current leased lands are obtained
through the assignment or purchase of an existing lease. In addition, some opportunities
exist for rights to occupy lands through a License of Occupation, normally outside of
townsite communities, which allow for commercial enterprises ranging from boat rentals
and commercial accommodation to food services. The annual cost for these licenses is
currently a negotiated percentage of gross.

Developers interested in leasing airport land (Federal or Private) should contact the respective
airport authority/manager directly. A directory of some of the airports in Alberta is listed in
Section VI.
Summary
The first two steps of the development process outlined in Chart 1 (page 10) have now been
addressed. The preliminary work includes reviewing a business idea in the context of the
tourism industry and the existing market conditions. The result is a business concept that
describes the kind of venture proposed, what makes it unique and why the entrepreneur
thinks it will succeed. The next move is to consider potential locations and identify how to
acquire the rights to the land base associated with each.
Depending on the status of the land desired, the proponent advances more or less directly on
to the gathering of detailed information. This research is done in response to requirements
for a potential land lease, and or to facilitate the purchase of private land from a vendor. It is
also the next step in generating the marketing, business and concept plans.
Section III addresses the information requirements for these plans.
Notes and Comments

Section III: Information Collection And Evaluation
Section III: Information Collection and

Evaluation
Project Feasibility
In determining the feasibility of a tourism project, as with any business, an accurate
market assessment and careful financial planning are critical to the success of the venture.
For large or complex projects, professional help is recommended. In evaluating projects,
the following steps should be completed, and all the questions should be answered.
These steps force even the most enthusiastic, idealistic entrepreneur with a brilliant idea
to make a realistic assessment of the risks and rewards of a project. For some projects
either the market or the financial analysis (or both) may prove the idea to be unfeasible,
and a re-examination may be required. The following steps highlight the need to complete
an economic evaluation before any investment is made.
Getting Started
There are several sources of assistance available to a prospective developer. Private
consultants can evaluate the project. Alternatively, assistance can be obtained from
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Canada-Alberta Business Service Centres
(Edmonton and Calgary – federal/provincial/municipal program), Community Futures
offices (federal government program), Business Development Bank of Canada (federal
Crown corporation) and Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (provincial Crown
corporation). These government agencies provide a range of services and publications
that can assist you with the evaluation of your project. Section VI lists government offices
around the province.
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation - Tourism Division, offers services designed to
facilitate tourism development. The programs and services are delivered through three
Branches of the Department:
• Tourism Business Development, Research and Investment Branch
• Tourism Development Branch
• Tourism Services Branch
Information on the three Branches can be accessed through the website:

www.tpr.alberta.ca
24 Section III: Information Collection And Evaluation

Tourism Business Development, Research and Investment Branch

The Tourism Business Development, Research and Investment Branch is focused on the
following business priorities:
Tourism Business Development

• Provide business information and advisory services to clients who are developing new
or expanded tourism products, such as: hotels, resorts, golf courses, guest ranches, ski
hills, ecotourism and tourism related events.
• Offer financial advice and facilitate client/entrepreneur access to capital.
• Guide clients through the regulatory processes involved in tourism development
projects.
• Work with other government departments in an advocacy role to represent the interests
of the tourism industry in key policy areas such as improved air access, development
on Crown land and product development.
• Provide advice on tourism-related economic impact assessments.
Tourism Research
• Conducts research and provides timely, relevant information that enhances
understanding of market and consumer trends. Also measures Alberta’s tourism
industry performance.
Tourism Investment
• Work with investors, developers, and the financial community to encourage and
facilitate investor interest and involvement in Alberta’s tourism industry.
• Assessment and linking of investor interests and financial resources with appropriate
tourism investment opportunities.
• Maintain a database of domestic and foreign investor leads and key contacts. Organized
site visits to review investment opportunities based on investor requirements and
resources.
• Generate investor interest through investment attraction activities such as: the annual
Tourism Investment Symposium, the tourism investment section of the Alberta
Tourism, Parks and Recreation website, participation at key tourism investment
conferences and events, and organizing tourism investment attraction missions.
• Proactively work with Alberta International Offices in Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong,
Munich, Mexico City, Taipei, Seoul and London to distribute information on tourism
investment opportunities in Alberta, with the goal of attracting foreign investment.
• Links to the Business Immigration Program within Alberta Employment and
Immigration.
Section III: Information Collection And Evaluation 25

Tourism Development Branch

Resource Management and Development
• Work with federal and municipal jurisdictions and Alberta provincial departments to
promote tourism as an appropriate use of public and private land.
• Work with industry stakeholders to develop and represent tourism positions during
land and resource management policy, planning and implementation processes.
• Identify and position Crown land for future tourism development, including promoting
the designation of land for sustainable tourism development.
• Provide industry with information on leasing of Crown land for tourism development
through the Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing (ATRL) process.
• Work with provincial land managers, municipalities and trail groups to encourage trail
and recreational corridor development.
• Consult with Parks Canada Agency on items of importance to Alberta’s tourism
industry.
Destination Development and Product Enhancement

• Work with Alberta municipal, not-for-profit, private sector and Aboriginal partners to
identify, develop and position new tourism product lines and destinations.
• Supply expertise and information to tourism sector partners to support the development
of new and expanded tourism products.
• Partner with the Canadian Tourism Commission, other provinces and territories on
product development research and convey the results to our clients.
• Work with Parks Canada Agency, Alberta Tourism,

Parks and Recreation - Parks Division, and Alberta
Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources to encourage
appropriate, quality tourism experiences at these important
Alberta destinations.
Aboriginal Tourism
Aboriginal tourism is a sector of tourism that deals
specifically with culturally reflective tourism activities
by First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Aboriginal
tourism operators can range from an individual start-up
entrepreneur, to a large community-based installation like
a museum or cultural centre. Aboriginal tourism activities
ATPR offers services designed to span a diverse spectrum from individual arts, to large
events like pow-wows, gatherings or rodeos. Aboriginal
facilitate tourism development. cultural tourism can benefit all community members by:
• Protecting and providing opportunities for community
members to connect to cultural practices in a manner that
reflects honour and distinction.

• Encourages sharing local cultural perspectives with Chart 2 – Essential Research

the rest of the world, while dispelling stereotypes of
Aboriginal people.
Market Analysis
• Allows for new partnerships with neighbours,
businesses and governments.
• Provides wide ranging employment opportunities Develop a concept for the right
within the community, that reflect and build on that product or service in the right
community’s cultural heritage. location
• Aboriginal tourism gives specific skills development

opportunities for support staff, front-line staff and
management. Research the current supply and
demand for the product
Tourism Services Branch
• Supporting Travel Alberta’s tourism marketing efforts
through the management of the Contact/Distribution Financial Analysis
Centre, Visitor Information Centres, and the Tourism
Information System (TIS).
• Supporting community and regional visitor information Evaluate site location, costs, and
centres through the Alberta Visitor Information infrastructure requirements
Providers (AVIP) program.
• Providing tourism information and travel counseling to
consumers. Evaluate capital debt
repayment/ cash flow and
• Providing training opportunities for visitor information
operating costs/ profitability
centre travel counselors and managers.
Another important source of assistance available to a

prospective developer is Travel Alberta Corporation.
Travel Alberta is a legislated corporation that markets Evaluate rate of return and
Alberta as a tourism destination regionally, nationally feasibility
and internationally. Visit the Travel Alberta industry
website: www.industry.travelalberta.com to learn about
the marketing programs available to support tourism
operators. The Business Plan
Checklist of Essential Develop marketing, operations,

green and human resources
Business Research plans, and project schedule
There are three parts to an economic feasibility study:

market research, financial analysis and the business
Outline projected profitability,
plan. Chart 2 outlines each part and a further explanation cash flow, working capital and
follows. financing sources

Tourism Market Analysis

Market analysis is a critical component of business research, particularly in the tourism
industry. The spending habits of tourists, their characteristics, their reasons for traveling
and the experiences they seek are constantly changing.
The tourism developer must respond to emerging trends. If the proposed service or
facility is intended to capitalize on an innovative new trend in the industry, the developer
must research consumer appeal to be assured that there are enough people interested in
the new concept, that they have enough money to spend on it and that they are willing
to spend their money on it. Such concerns can be answered through a market research
study.
Clearly defining the market for your tourism business enables you to determine your
marketing objectives. These objectives will direct the marketing component of the
business plan.
Types of Tourism Markets

Most travel surveys identify the main categories of visitors as people travelling for
pleasure, business, visiting friends/relatives or for personal reasons. In your market
research you should be more specific. For example, potential visitors to your area or
facility may be:
• Skiers and Hikers.
• Fishermen.
• Shoppers.
• Sports Teams and Spectators.
• Meetings/Conference attendees and their spouses.
• Bus Tour Participants.
• Overseas Business Visitors.
• Overseas Package Tour Participants.
• Educational Tour Participants.
• Work Crews.
• Business Travelers.
• Day-trippers (from nearby urban centres).
• Ecotourism/adventure/ag-tourism participants.

Demand Analysis
Each visitor is looking for a different ideal experience and has specific preferences
for type of accommodation, food services, recreation, and so on. As a result, there are
numerous ways to break the tourism market into sub-groups. The important thing is to
identify the groups (segments) that will buy your product or service.
Once you have identified the one or more types of tourists you anticipate (or would like
to attract), you can then develop a detailed profile of your target market(s). You should
develop a clear understanding of this market in terms of:
• Who they are (age, income, marital status, education and lifestyle patterns).
• How many are expected.
• What interests them.
• Where they come from.
• Why they travel.
• When they travel.
• How often they travel.
• How they travel.
• How they spend their money.
• How price-sensitive they are.
The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has a full range of market research and
statistical data pertaining to Canadian and non-Canadian travel markets. Information can
be found at: www.canadatourism.com
The Canadian Tourism Research Institute (CTRI) serves the travel and tourism
industry by providing economic forecasts and models. The relevant web link is: www.
conferenceboard.ca/topics/economics/CTRI
ATPR’s Tourism Business Development, Research and Investment Branch summarizes

details from Statistics Canada’s “Travel Survey of Residents of Canada” and “International
Travel Survey” related to visitors to Alberta, including Albertans and non-Albertans.
ATPR has also undertaken specific market research studies to determine the characteristics
of certain visitor markets. This information can be found on the ATPR website: www.tpr.
alberta.ca and on Travel Alberta’s website: www.industry.travelalberta.com
Supply Analysis
It is important to evaluate the existing supply of tourism services and facilities. You must
determine:
• What competitive facilities are there in the market area?

• What are the current usage rates or occupancy rates for operators in the regular and
off-season?
• What share of the market can you expect to capture?
Market Evaluation
The following list includes many of the critical questions an entrepreneur should seek to
answer before deciding to commit to a business concept.
Orientation
What markets do you hope to attract? What is the nature of the area tourist traffic and
what have been the recent trends?
What scale of project would be most appropriate based on the landscape and surrounding
communities? Why do you think it will succeed?
What recent surveys or market studies have been done for this area or market
component?
Does the local community support the project? What concerns do they have regarding
tourism development (e.g. environmental)?
What are the environmental and social considerations that need to be assessed and
reflected in your proposal?

What other land use activities are occurring in the area? How are people currently using
the area? Are these uses compatible with your proposed tourism development?
What are the current types of recreation and tourism activity in the area?
Demand Analysis
How many tourists visit the area in the regular and off-seasons? Why do they come?
How many of these tourists could potentially use your service or facility?
When do people travel to this area or facility? Weekends? Summer holidays? During
hunting season? Define the regular and off-seasons, and corresponding visitor profiles.
Are visitors to the area passing through as a main travel corridor or is this a destination?
What proportions of tourists require accommodations?

What preferences have been shown for hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfast, or campground
accommodations? Is this pattern changing?
What is the general origin of visitors to the area? How do they travel to the area?
What is the average length of stay? Will your operation change any of these trends?
What is the forecast rate of growth in the number of tourists to the area? Does the area
actively promote tourism?
If you anticipate a mainly local demand, what is the projected population growth,
average income levels, spending patterns, demographics (e.g. age, sex, marital status) of
the population?
What are the main family types, income levels, lifestyles and socio-economic profiles of
current visitors? Does this fit with your proposal?
Are there specialized user groups such as large organizations, conventions or government
frequenting the area?

Is the demand mainly for a distinct season? Can this be extended? What demand might
be developed for off-season use?
What do you estimate the demand for your business to be for the next five years? What
occupancy or usage rates are forecast for these types of facilities for the next five years?
Supply Analysis
What competitive facilities are there in the market area? Which of these do you consider
to be your primary competitors?
What accommodation facilities are in the area? What is the history of occupancy rates?
What are the seasonal rates? Is there enough available capacity in the area to accommodate
an increase in tourist volume that may be caused by your tourism product/service?
Are any other directly competitive operations planned for the area?
What food and beverage facilities are in the area? What are their seating capacities, hours
of operation and turnover rates? Are they tourism friendly?

How would you describe the area’s tourism capacity? Under supplied or over supplied?
What special attractions are in the area that would add to general tourist activity or
complement your operation? Are any projects being proposed that would enhance your
opportunity?
Is the project entering a very competitive market with well-established competition?

Are there substitute products/services available that could serve as an alternative to your
proposed tourism experience?
What has been the performance of other facilities over the past five to 15 years? Steady
growth, no growth or negative growth?
Will your project attract customers from existing facilities? Why?
Summary Evaluation – Making Sure Your Concept Meets the Demand

What scale of project would be most appropriate based on the landscape and surrounding
communities?
Does your project reflect market demand and consumer preferences for this type of
facility or service? What do you base this assessment on?

Does this area need a business like yours? Why? How will you generate community
support?
What share of the tourism market do you think the proposed project could capture?
Why?
How do you intend to attract these markets?
Tourism Market Data Sources Detailed

Detailed information on travel industry trends, demographics, visitor spending habits, information
means of transportation and destination is readily available from a range of sources. on travel
World Data Sources: industry trends,
demographics,
• World Tourism Organization (WTO) – Is the leading international organization in
the field of travel and tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and visitor spending
statistics. www.unwto.org habits,
• Sustainable Development of Tourism – The World Tourism Organization also serves means of
as a global forum for tourism policy issues and statistics related to sustainable tourism transportation
development. www.unwto.org/sdt
and destination
• World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – WTTC’s mission is to raise awareness is readily
of the full economic impact of the world’s largest generator of wealth and jobs.
www.wttc.org
available from
a range of
• The International Ecotourism Society – The mission of the Society is to unite
conservation, communities and sustainable travel while promoting responsible travel sources.
to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local
people. www.ecotourism.org
Canadian Data Sources:

• Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) – Provides a variety of publications and
market research on the tourism industry in Canada. www.corporate.canada.travel/
en/ca/research_statistics/index.html

• Canadian Tourism Research Institute (CTRI) – Provides members with information

and analysis on the Canadian tourism industry. This research organization is part of
The Conference Board of Canada. (Note: You will be asked to register to access some
of the site, there is no charge for this however, research documents are sold individually
or through an annual subscription to the e-Library service.) www.conferenceboard.
ca/topics/economics/CTRI/default.aspx
• Statistics Canada – Maintains and interprets statistical data. www.statcan.gc.ca.
Statistics Canada undertakes the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada (TSRC) and
the International Travel Survey (ITS) . These annual surveys are major sources of
data used to measure the size and status of Canada’s tourism industry. Both surveys
measure the volume, the characteristics and expenditures associated with domestic
and international tourism activity in Canada. Since the beginning of 2005, the TSRC
replaced the Canadian Travel Survey (CTS). www.statcan.gc.ca/cgi-bin/imdb/p2SV.
pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=3810&lang=en&db=imdb&adm=8&dis=2 and
www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/081222/dq081222f-eng.htm
• National Tourism Indicators – Quarterly statistics on Canada’s tourism sector
including; trends, numbers of trips, visitor origins, expenditures and destinations.
Available from Statistics Canada. www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/13-009-XIB/
free.htm
• Travel Exclusive – a bi-monthly newsletter providing tourism suppliers, analysts and
executives with the latest trends in the industry, for members of the Canadian Tourism
Research Institute. Available through the Institute. (Note: Must apply for membership
that involves a fee. Other travel research reports are also available with membership.)
www.conferenceboard.ca/topics/economics/travel.aspx
Alberta Data Sources:

Both Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and Travel Alberta can be important sources of
tourism information.
• Travel Alberta Industry Website – Includes tourism research commissioned by the

Research Unit of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, and identifies other secondary
research sources. www.industry.travelalberta.com
• Tourism Visitor and Accommodation Statistics – Another source for locating Alberta
specific visitor statistics and research generated by the Research Unit of Alberta
Tourism, Parks and Recreation. (ATPR has produced provincial reports based on the
TSRC and ITS that isolate domestic and international tourism activity in Alberta.
Information is available at a provincial level and for the six tourism destination
regions.) www.tpr.alberta.ca/tourism/statistics/default.aspx
• Alberta Tourism Market Monitor – This monthly publication provides provincial-
level statistics on visitor numbers, tourism revenue, the accommodation sector as
well as employment and highway vehicle count data. www.tpr.alberta.ca/tourism/
statistics/marketmonitor.aspx
• Tourism Issues Update - A monthly newsletter providing information on trends and
external forces that could affect the tourism industry. www.industry.travelalberta.
com

• Travel Activities and Motivation Survey (TAMS) – The TAMS survey examines
the recreational activities and travel habits of Canadians and Americans. The survey
examines out-of-town, overnight travel behaviour of one or more nights over the past
two years and provides detailed information on travelers’ activities, travel motivators,
places visited, type of accommodation used, impressions of Canada, its provinces
and territories, demographics and media consumption patterns. www.tpr.alberta.ca/
tourism/research/tamsnational.aspx
• Building Tourism - A Resource for Development – This newsletter provides
information about tourism development activities. Each issue focuses on a specific
development theme and includes activities of the Tourism Development Branch.
www.tpr.alberta.ca/tourism/tourismdevelopment/newsletters.aspx
• Tourism Business Outlook – Within this newsletter you will find information
pertaining to tourism business development and financing, along with salient statistics
pertaining to hotel sector performance, tourism industry trends and market research,
air industry information, and an overview of the activities of the Tourism Business
Development, Research and Investment Branch. www.tpr.alberta.ca/tourism/
tourismdevelopment/newsletters.aspx
Other Provincial Sources:

Alberta Government Library System
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (Library Resource)
10155 – 102 Street
Telephone: (780) 427-4957 or Government of Alberta Toll free at 310-0000.
Access to a range of resource material pertaining to tourism marketing, development and

planning is available through the Government of Alberta’s Library System. (Resources
must be used on site.)
Alberta Transportation
Alberta Transportation produces highway traffic statistics and makes them available on
their website: www.transportation.alberta.ca/3459.htm
Government of Alberta
A range of economic and investment data for the province can be found at the
following Government of Alberta website: www.albertacanada.com
Project Site Evaluation

Site selection is a key component of any business and is one aspect that is critical to
the establishment of a successful tourism business. A tourist may seek scenic beauty,
wilderness, adventure and excellent fishing, yet demand relatively easy accessibility and
amenities such as hot showers and a restaurant.

The rugged nature of much of Alberta may also require special attention. Mountain runoff
may turn sleepy foothill creeks into swift-flowing rivers every spring – a prospective
developer must be aware of all such site conditions as well as know about the approvals
necessary to use land in these areas. Evaluating sites under consideration is a challenge
and requires thorough research.
Many of the permanent installations that a tourist facility requires, such as roadways and
utilities, are the same as those needed by any operation.
This section provides guidelines as to:

• what types of physical resource information is required.
• who to contact.
• what approvals may be necessary.
• how to evaluate the site in terms of your business concept.
• how to prepare a physical concept plan as the basis of cost estimates and financial
evaluation.
Where to Start
Some tourism ventures begin with an idea and then search for a suitable location for
development e.g., a developer looking for a suitable site to develop a golf course. Others
begin with a fixed location that needs an evaluation for a certain project, such as a
landowner deciding to develop his rural acreage into a tourism facility. Developers may
work with realtors or conduct their own site search. In either case, you need to obtain the
following information on the potential site and related maps and drawings:
• suitability of the physical environment, including soils, slopes, water quality and
quantity, tree cover, shoreline access, views, amount of snowfall, prevailing winds.
• status of the site including land ownership, land use bylaw classification, easements,
long-term planning projections, caveats, restrictive covenants.
• servicing and utilities – water, power, sewer, telephone, natural gas.
• access – availability, special facilities needed, responsibility for maintenance.
• land development requirements – clearing, grading, reclamation, engineering.
• location analysis – does the site meet the needs of the target market?
The following checklists identify the specific information sources and the questions that
all developers should seek to answer.
Location Analysis
People must be able to reach the site. The converse is also true: the site must be within a
reasonable distance of the anticipated target market group(s). Also, the developer should
have some understanding of the nature of the area – who lives there, what the municipal
development plans are for the area, and what are the attitudes towards the development?
Is the long-term future of the site reasonably secure?

Some questions to be answered include:
Data Needed Contact/Data Source
How does the customer get there? What are the current • Alberta Transportation.
and nearest transportation services? What are the costs • Transport Canada.
of scheduled services?
• Scheduled air carriers, railways.
• roads. • Travel agents.
• air transport. • Aircraft Charter services.
• public transit, buses, railways. • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
Does the developer need to provide or build access to the • Transport Canada.
site? If access is by private plane or helicopter service, can
• Alberta Transportation.
the proper licenses be obtained? What effect will poor
weather or seasonal changes have on accessibility? What • Local Municipality.
quality of access is needed? • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
How far is the site from the customer? How many people
are within traveling distance? What are the historical • Alberta Transportation.
traffic counts? • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
What types of developments are in the adjacent area?

Are they compatible with your project? Do they visually or
• Site inspections.
acoustically infringe on the site? What are the long-term • Local Municipality.
plans for this area? Will there be any foreseeable • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
significant changes on transportation patterns, servicing • Alberta Infrastructure.
or land use? • Alberta Transportation.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
What are the attitudes of community members towards

• Local Municipality.
tourism development?
What other tourist facilities or attractions are in the

area? Do they complement your proposal? Are there any • Site inspections.
planned parks or other public facilities? • Alberta Culture and Community Spirit.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
• Travel Alberta.
• Parks Canada Agency.
If you aim to attract local/regional business, consider

the socio-economic characteristics of area residents. • Local Municipality.
What are average income levels, dominant age groups • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
and occupations? How does this compare to your target • Statistics Canada.
market? What is the projected population growth? • Alberta Finance and Enterprise.

Physical Resource Analysis

In this part of the site evaluation the developer must determine whether the physical conditions of the site are suitable
for the intended use. These are the key questions to be answered:

What are the soil types and slope of the property? Is it • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development - Air
stable and suitable for building? Photo Services.
• Alberta Environment.
Are there any natural hazards in the area that affect the
site? Will the site be subject to flooding, landslides or • Alberta Environment.
avalanches? What are the typical snowfall levels? • Environment Canada.
• Site Inspection.
Are there any watercourses or areas of standing water on

the site? Do these change significantly through the years? • Alberta Environment.
Will either extremely high or extremely low water levels • Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
affect your development? Is the site in a floodplain? Do
other users have water rights on this lake or river? Is this • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
area part of an irrigation district plan?
What type of forest cover is on the site? Is it within a Forest

Management Area? Are there any cutting restrictions? • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
Will the surrounding areas be logged in the near future?
How will the views be affected?
What is the climate of the area? What is the average

annual rainfall and snowfall? Is the area subject to • Environment Canada.
drought? Is it windy? Are there chinooks? Which are the • Alberta Environment.
sunniest months of the year? When does the first snow
fall? When does it leave?

What are the main fish and wildlife species in the area? • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development - Fish and
What is the most recent inventory? What management Wildlife Division.
programs are in place? Are there any seasonal restrictions • Alberta Environment.
that will affect your development? What habitat
protection is occurring to ensure the long-term viability
of fish and wildlife? What are the hunting and fishing
license requirements?
What are the shoreline or riverbank characteristics of • Alberta Environment.

the site? Can it be dredged for boat use? Can pilings be
placed for a dock? Can you get a permit for use of the • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public
water’s edge? Is it eroding? Does the water level change Lands Division.
seasonally? • Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
What is the status of this property? Who owns it? Who • Alberta Government Services – Land Registration and
owns the adjacent properties? What easements and Services.
caveats are registered against the title? Are there any
restrictive covenants in place? What is the assessed • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
value? • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (ATRL process
if public lands).
What is the current land use bylaw designation? What is • Local Municipality.
the long range planning designation for this site and the • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
surrounding area? What types of approvals are needed
in the planning process? Is an Environmental Assessment • Alberta Environment.
Process (EAP) report required?
Is the proposed site on Aboriginal land? Is the band

active or interested in tourism as a means of economic • Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
development? • Alberta Aboriginal Relations.
• Alberta Culture and Community Spirit.
Is there any archaeological significance to the area? Will

• Alberta Culture and Community Spirit.
an historical resources impact assessment be necessary?
Will some form of mitigation be necessary?
Is the site visually and physically attractive? Can negative

• Site Inspections.
attributes be overcome?

Infrastructure Needs and Availability

This is a critical point in site evaluation. Tourists expect a high quality of services –
running water, clean washrooms, hot showers and power hook-ups are standard in most
facilities. Costs for providing these basic utilities can be high. It is important to carefully
evaluate each of these costs, preferably with professional help. In rural or remote areas,
some ingenuity and alternative solutions may be needed to provide services to visitors –
know these costs before committing yourself to a site.
It is important to ask:
• Does the site have a secure supply of water? What is the water quality? How many litres
per minute are available? Is it adequate for fire protection? Is it available year-round?
What are the costs to obtain or develop a water supply?
• How will you dispose of sewage? Is there an existing system? What are the costs of
hook-up? Can the site physically support a septic system? What are the standards for
tourist use?
• Where is the garbage disposal site? What does it cost for disposal? Who is responsible
for collecting it?
• What are the nearest sources of power or fuel for heat, light and other needs?
• What are the costs of using or developing the power supply?
• Is road access of sufficient standard to attract tourists in poor weather?
Some ingenuity
• What emergency services are available? Is there fire protection in the area? What
and alternative about police, ambulances and doctors?
solutions may
be needed to Basic Health Standards
provide services Alberta’s Public Health Act is broad in scope and it gives officials considerable discretion
to support the preservation and protection of public health. Anything that might be
to visitors in injurious or dangerous to the public health is subject to inspections and enforcement
rural or remote under the Public Health Act. As a general rule, all food-handling facilities (restaurants,
areas. pubs, etc.) and swimming pools are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with basic
health standards.
There is also a considerable amount of overlap between public health under the Public
Health Act and public safety under the Safety Codes Act. Public buildings and spaces,
rental accommodations in any building or home, private sewage systems and swimming
pools are just some examples where inspections and enforcement are carried out by both
safety code and health inspectors. It is advisable to contact your local health official of
your project plans before construction and after completion of the project.
In urban areas, the municipal health unit usually inspects public and commercial premises
and enforces health standards. In smaller municipalities and rural areas these functions
are handled by the offices of the local department of health. In either case, the Public
Health Act is the basis of regulations, although municipal bylaws may supplement the
Act.

Before building, talk to the local health inspector. Obtain copies of the relevant Health
Act regulations and any necessary application forms. These regulations will specify how
you must handle sewage disposal, what minimum facilities you must provide, and the
food-handling methods to be used. Notify the inspector when construction is complete.
Water Supply
A development must have access to an adequate supply of water. In an urban setting,
check with the municipality to determine the costs of hooking up to the existing system
and the existing development standards such as pipe size requirements. You may also
be required to contribute to off site water and sewer facilities costs as a condition of
development approval. Ask about any development charges as well as user rates, which
can be a considerable cost for a busy tourist facility. If water from a Crown-owned resource
is to be diverted or pumped out, authorization is required from Alberta Environment or
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
In a rural setting, a developer must often provide the project with its water supply. The
source will likely be a well, but could also involve withdrawal and treatment of water
from a nearby lake or river. If a well is needed, obtain professional help to locate a
year-round supply of potable water. A test well is usually required to test both water
quality and supply. On Crown land, an exploration permit from Alberta Environment will
be required to drill a test well. The developer should ensure that water flows will meet all
standards required by Alberta Health and Wellness as well as standards for fire protection.
(Please note that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development should be contacted if the
development is within a Forest Protection Area and the Alberta Building and Fire Codes
should be consulted). Neighbouring residents and the local health department are also
potential sources for information regarding water supply and local soil conditions.
If a lake, river, stream, or ground water aquifier is to be used for water supply, a permit
or license must be obtained from Alberta Environment. Make contact with Alberta
Environment to determine the time it will take to obtain a license because it will depend
on prior water rights and the volume of the water supply. It is very important to confirm
the costs and availability of water supply before making a commitment to the site.
Sewage and Solid Waste Disposal

In an urban setting, it is wise to discuss the project with the municipal engineering
department to find out the costs of hooking up to the sewage system. The developer
should ensure that provincial standards are met with respect to the number of toilet
facilities required.
In all areas, private sewage disposal systems must be designed and installed in accordance
with the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice where the volume of
sewage is expected to be 25m3 (5,500 gallons) or less per day.
Septic fields can involve a large land area for tourist uses such as resorts or campgrounds.
The essential site requirements for septic disposal are good soil permeability and low
groundwater levels. These are critical to the usability of a rural site and should be
confirmed before any property is purchased. If the site contains extensive clay soils, it
may not be usable for the proposed project. As an alternative, check the availability and
costs of pump-out services.

Solid waste disposal is generally a municipal function. Check with these offices for
details of costs, pick-up, etc. In some rural areas, garbage must be taken to a sanitary
landfill by the user (developers should anticipate this cost). If the proposed facility is
in a remote area, be prepared to provide details of solid waste handling to the land use
approval agency. Alberta Environment will enforce these responsibilities.
Power Supply
Generally, power and telephone services in an urban setting pose few problems. Similarly,
natural gas is readily available in most parts of the province. Check for connection charges
and structural requirements.
In non-urban areas, these amenities may be less accessible and more costly to provide.
The developer is generally responsible for bringing power and/or telephone lines to the
site from the nearest source – this can be extremely expensive in rural areas or difficult
terrain. In some cases, alternative power sources may be more viable, consider:
• diesel-powered generators. These require accessibility for fuel trucks and fuel
storage.
• wood – for heating/hot water purposes.

• solar – for heating/hot water purposes.
• wind power – for electrical generation.
• propane – for heating and appliances where natural gas is not available. This option
requires access for fuel delivery trucks.
Public Safety – Police, Fire, Medical Service

Developers must ensure that police and fire protection are available for the development.
For many tourist activities, particularly those involving outdoor sports, ambulance
service, local first aid and a nearby hospital are important concerns. Meet with local
authorities to discuss the needs of your development and the ability of the community to
provide service. They can supply valuable information and potentially help you obtain a
better insurance rating for the development. Talk to:
• municipal police or RCMP.
• fire departments.
• local hospital emergency service, medical clinics and area doctor(s).
If your development is a seasonal operation, police and fire protection during the
off-season are still important. Assess ways to provide security at remote sites during
closed periods.

Building and Land Development Requirements

When evaluating a proposed site, the developer must carefully look at land development
costs and the types of buildings and facilities needed. If the proposal involves purchasing
or upgrading an existing facility, costs of renovation and meeting building codes must be
carefully assessed. Professional help is recommended at this stage – architects, engineers,
building or land-development contractors can help provide accurate cost estimates to
help determine the feasibility of the site. Don’t base your site development evaluation on
guesswork – these capital costs are vital to your success.
These are the items to evaluate:

• What is the structural condition and life expectancy of existing buildings? Do they
meet your requirements? Do they meet building codes?
• What renovations or upgrading of existing buildings or utility infrastructure is

required? What are the estimated costs?
• What new buildings are needed for the development? What are the estimated costs?
• What special facilities are needed for this site? Can they be accommodated, and if
so, what are the costs? Are they technically feasible? (Especially for marinas, ski
chairlifts, helicopter pads, boat launches, etc.)
• What land development is needed? What are the estimated costs for clearing, grading
and providing roads and parking, landscaping, and hooking up to or providing services
and utilities?
• What are the off-site development costs?
• Is the site accessible to people with disabilities? Can this be improved?
Building Codes
Construction and installation codes including the building, fire, electrical, plumbing, gas,
private sewage, boilers and pressure vessels, elevators, ski lifts and amusement rides are
regulated under the Safety Codes Act.
A variety of local bylaws and provincial regulations govern when you need a permit.
This may also vary with the specific circumstances surrounding your project. It is always
best to check with the authority having jurisdiction before starting any new work. These
authorities will be either the local municipality or the province, or you may choose to ask
one of the accredited agencies.
The Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and homeowners in Alberta obtain
permits prior to commencing work on buildings covered by the Alberta Building Code
or work governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, the Alberta Gas Code or the Alberta
Plumbing Code.
Permits are available through municipalities that are accredited to administer the Safety
Codes Act, and through agencies who provide inspection services on behalf of the
province in non-accredited municipalities.

Physical Resource Analysis – Information Services

Most of the physical resource information a developer needs may have already been
collected and compiled on maps by the relevant resource agency (usually the provincial
government). A developer may benefit from the professional evaluations of biologists,
pedologists (soils), foresters and geologists simply by referring to the maps. This
information is usually available from the municipality or a local provincial government
office, as they use these maps for their planning evaluations.
Developers can also obtain maps from map dealers throughout Alberta. To find a listing
of map dealers nearest you, view the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Map Distribution Centre’s website: www.srd.gov.ab.ca/informationcentre/
mapdistributioncentre.aspx
Also, the Air Photo Services office of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development can
provide an up-to-date printout of available air photo coverage (with the date and scale)
for any legal description within Alberta. For more information visit the website: www.
srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/geographicinformation/airphoto/default.aspx or phone (780)
427-3520 (Edmonton).
Typically, the following biophysical mapping information is readily available:
• aerial photography.
• large scale topographic mapping.
• existing roads, rail lines, airports.
• agricultural capability maps.
• legal base maps (subdivisions, lots).
• land ownership maps.
• resource capability maps for:
• recreation.
Don’t base
• waterfowl.
your site
• ungulates.
development
evaluation on • mineral resources.
guesswork – • forest cover maps.

these capital • soil types and surficial geology.
costs are vital to • regional recreation inventories (parks, facilities).
your success. • development constraints, natural hazards.
• floodplain elevations (in applicable areas).
• significant biological and recreation areas.
• land use bylaw and statutory plan designations.
In addition to these standard sources of physical data, many municipalities have
undertaken specific studies relating to areas with special opportunities such as waterfront
or recreational lakes.

Summing It Up – A Site Evaluation Matrix

Use this matrix as a checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the topics. Complete the checklist for each site being
considered. Use it to compare sites.
General Location Excellent Suitable Needs Unsuitable Notes

Work
Access
Adjacent Land Uses
Archaeological
Concerns
Clearing, Site
Preparation
Current Land Use
Drainage,
Watercourses
Environmental
Quality/Issues
Existing Buildings
Land Tenure/
Ownership
Local Attitudes
Towards
Development
Local Labor Supply
Long-Term Outlook
Police, Fire and
Medical Services
Power Supply
Property Land Use
Bylaw Classification
Proximity to Market
Scenic Views
Sewage Disposal
Shoreline or Water
Access
Soils and Topography
Visibility
Water Supply

Financial Analysis
The financial analysis gives the tourism developer/entrepreneur a detailed picture of the
costs involved in starting up the enterprise, annual operating costs, projected income and
the means of financing the operation. This analysis will determine whether the project is
financially viable or whether changes are needed – either to the initial concept or to the
financing arrangements.
For the new or seasonal type of tourism venture, it is important to compare costs and
revenues with other operations in the industry. If you are expanding an existing business,
you must be sure that increased revenues will cover the costs of your changes, and provide
an adequate return on your investment. Most small business failures are attributed to
insufficient working capital to carry the business through its first two years of operation
– be realistic and accurate through the financial analysis process.
Chart 3 provides the basic steps in the financial evaluation process.
AlbertaFirst.com (www.albertafirst.com) and The Business Link (www.canadabusiness.

ab.ca) feature a series of guides to assist owners and potential owners to make sound
business decisions. The guides are oriented to small business but the information provided
is applicable to larger operations as well.
Two booklets in particular should be reviewed when examining your financial

requirements:
Chart 3 – Financial Analysis Steps • Prepare for Success: Starting a Small Business
in Alberta
Determine Capital Costs • Developing Your Financial Forecasts
Also, please refer to the ATPR’s guides:
Determine Profitability, • Tourism Business Planning Guide

Cash Flow and • Tourism Funding Sources Guide
Working Capital
at: www.tpr.alberta.ca
Pro forma (Projected) Financial Analysis – Check Lists

Financial Statements
Capital Development Costs

Financial Methods Capital development costs include all physical
development needs as identified in the concept plan. It is
also important to determine which items will be financed
and which will be paid for through investments and from
Evaluate Rate of earnings. A new business usually does well to minimize
Return and Feasibility capital outlays as much as possible, thereby keeping cash
resources available for current operating expenses and
initial one-time costs.

Developers must also make a realistic assessment about the ability to finance initial
capital development costs with either debt or equity and/or a combination of the two
methods. Inability to finance the project may mean the concept should be scaled down,
pursued on a phased basis or not pursued at all.
More information can be found in our Tourism Funding Sources Guide:

www.tpr.alberta.ca
Your business plan should feature a statement of capital development and start-up costs,
along with proposed financing sources. This statement should accompany the forecast
for the other three types of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and
cash flow statement). Please refer to Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation’s Tourism
Business Planning Guide for more information at: www.tpr.alberta.ca
Potential Capital and Start-up Costs

These costs may include:
Land acquisition $ ________
Survey costs $ ________
Utility infrastructure $ ________
Engineering $ ________
Architectural design work $ ________
Professional fees $ ________

(legal, banking)
Insurance $ ________
(liability, bonding)
Resource assessment fees $ ________

(EAP, HRIA)
Fees, appraisal and $ ________

permit costs
Site preparation $ ________
Landscape work $ ________
Building construction $ ________
Renovation costs $ ________
Access road $ ________
Furnishings, fixtures, $ ________

equipment
Other leasehold $ ________

Improvements
Vehicle requirements $ ________
TOTAL $ _______

Projected Cash Flow and Working Capital Needed

The cash flow statement records actual timing of cash receipts and disbursements.
The cash flow statement is the most important forecast for a new business because it
demonstrates whether or not you have the actual cash on hand required to meet your
financial obligations when they come due.
Cash receipts are cash inflows from cash sales, sales of fixed assets, collections of
accounts receivable, loan proceeds, and the owner’s contributions. Cash disbursements
are cash outflows for operating expenses, payments to suppliers, repayment of loans and
the acquisition of fixed assets.
Not all sales are collected in the month in which they are made, and not all expenses are
paid for in the month that they are incurred.
The most important function of a written cash flow is its ability to provide an estimate of
the amount of money required to finance day-to-day operations. It will forecast money
coming in and money going out.
A cash flow forecast can be a complicated item to prepare the first time. For a new
entrepreneur, it may be difficult to predict sales and expenses. Talk to other operators
in the area, contact relevant associations and or get some professional help. Realistic
estimates are the key to business viability.
Cash flow forecasts should be prepared for at least the first three years of operation. They
will likely need revisions as the business situation changes. If the forecasted figures vary
considerably from the actual, some changes in operation or financing may be necessary.
Review your cash flow with your lender, particularly if you plan to operate on a line-of-
credit. Know beforehand whether you must maintain a minimum positive cash balance
or whether you can operate on an overdraft. Determine what the requirements are to
securing an overdraft/revolving line of credit.
As a general rule, a new operation should have working capital equal to projected
expenses for six months.
Projected Income Statements

The income statement is a presentation of the revenues and expenses incurred by the
business during a given period. Unlike the cash flow statement, the income statement
uses accrual accounting where: 1) revenues are recorded at the time that the sale is made
even though payment of cash for these sales may occur earlier or later; and, 2) expenses
are recorded at the time that their corresponding revenue was recorded regardless of
when the actual outlay of cash was made.
Revenues and expenses are projected based on the results of previous tasks in this guide.
Income, expenses and profits are categorized in the income statement as follows:
• Revenue: Income generated from the sale of the company’s product or service.
• Other Income: Income earned from other activities (e.g. interest earned on bank
deposits).

• Costs of Goods Sold: Expenses directly related to the production of goods and services
including purchases of materials, freight and labour.
• Gross Profit: Revenue minus Cost of Goods Sold.
• Operating Expenses: All selling, administrative and depreciation expenses.
• Operating Profit: Gross Profit less Operating Expenses.
• Interest Expense: Expenses resulting from debt financing.
• Net Profit Before Tax: Operating Profit less Interest Expense.
Notice that the last item on the income statement is your
projected net profit for the year. This forecast figure will
be kept for comparison to the actual net profit figure.
At the end of each year, a condensed income statement
should be prepared. It will be similar in appearance to
the projected income statement, but will be actual rather
than estimated numbers. This is a valuable summation, as
it will allow you to determine your projected and actual
break-even points.
Income statement forecasts should be prepared for at

least the first three years of operation. They will likely
need revisions as the business situation changes. If the
forecasted figures vary considerably from the actual, some
changes in operation or financing may be necessary.
A pro forma balance sheet is a snapshot of the financial

condition of the business at a fixed point in time. It shows
what the firm owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities
and owner’s equity). The balance sheet has three major
sections: assets – listed on the left hand side; liabilities – Developers must have or be able to
listed on the right hand side; and equities – also listed on raise sufficient cash equity to undertake
the right hand side. Assets represent the total resources
of the firm stated in dollar terms. Claims against these a tourism project.
assets are the liabilities and equity. The two sides of the
balance sheet equal each other-they balance. The excess
of assets over liabilities represents the net worth of the
firm’s owners.
Assets are listed in order of liquidity, or nearness to cash. Thus, cash, being the most
liquid asset, is listed first, followed by other “current assets”. Current assets are assets
which will be turned into cash within one year and include cash, marketable securities,
inventory, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses. Long term or fixed assets are those
which are not intended for conversion into cash within one year. Fixed assets include
land, buildings, equipment, furnishings and long term investments.
Liabilities are also classified as being either current (due within one year) or long term.
Current liabilities include accounts payable, accrued wages and current portion of long
term debt. Current liabilities are recorded first, followed by long term liabilities.

A pro forma balance sheet should be prepared for at least the first three years of operation.
It is also recommended that three types of financial statements also be prepared for the
construction/start-up phase prior to the venture opening for business.
Financing Methods
In order to determine the best financial arrangement possible, an entrepreneur must
consider all potential sources of financing including:
• owner’s investment.
• outside investment sources.
• loans from banks.
• other private lenders.
The interest costs from each source must be calculated into the projected income statement,
and the proposed scheduling of repayment must fit into the cash flow forecasts.
It is important to determine at a very early stage if you can raise the necessary debt and
equity financing for the project. Banks typically will not lend more than 50% of the costs
required to construct a new tourism project. Developers therefore must have or be able to
raise sufficient cash equity to undertake a tourism project.
The Bottom Line - Evaluating Business Feasibility

The first four steps of the financial analysis identify the information needed to determine
projected costs and projected income. Now, you must compare these amounts to determine
whether the business is really viable. There are several accepted methods of looking
at business feasibility. Talk to your lenders/investors about their preferred approaches.
When you have finished the next series of steps, you should know whether the proposed
business is worth pursuing:
• Break-Even Analysis shows the level of income needed to meet all expenses (variable
and fixed). Sales above the break-even point will show a profit.
• Return-On Investment (ROI) is expressed as a percentage and is the ratio of
profitability to owner’s equity over one year. It is often used for comparing investment
opportunities. If the return on investment is too low, investors may decide against the
project and opt for investment opportunities that have higher returns.
• Debt-To-Equity ratio is a measurement used to compare the amount of debt to the
financial risk assumed by the owner(s). Usually, a ratio of $1 or $2 borrowed for every
dollar invested is viewed as acceptable (a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1); however, the acceptable
ratio may vary by industry sector. This ratio is of particular interest to lenders.
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is often used in capital budgeting that makes the net
present value of all cash flow from a particular project equal to zero. The higher a
project’s internal rate of return, the more desirable it is to undertake the project. The

IRR can be used to rank several prospective projects a firm is considering. Assuming
all other factors are equal among the various projects, the project with the highest IRR
would probably be considered the best and undertaken first.
The summary of your financial research will be encompassed in your business plan.
Starting a New Business vs. Purchasing an Existing

Business
The previous topics of the financial analysis have been directed toward entrepreneurs
interested in starting a new business. However, many tourism developers choose to
purchase an existing operation. Most of the same steps in economic evaluation must be
followed. In addition, a potential buyer must ask some very specific questions about the
existing operation, its financial health, and the reasons why it is being sold. Some of the
key questions are:
Is the opportunity available to purchase an existing franchise business? What are the
conditions of transferring the “flag” or “franchise” to the new owner?
Has the business deteriorated or been unprofitable in recent years? Why?
Does the business require considerable investment to upgrade facilities? Have you
included these costs in your financial plan? Will you recover these costs?
What improvements to the facility, operations, management methods or financing must

you make?

Do you have clear and professionally prepared financial statements from the vendor for
each of the past three to five years? Have you reviewed prior years’ tax returns for the
business?
Do you have a current analysis of all assets (inventory, fixed assets, accounts receivable)
and liabilities (loans, taxes due, trade creditors)?
Does your financial analysis include projected cash flow and income statements? Are
these positive? Will you make a profit? Will you generate sufficient cash flow? What
about balance sheet ratios?
How will you succeed in this business where previous owners failed or received
inadequate return?
Have you reviewed the business potential and sale details with a professional accountant
and lawyer? Do you need to obtain an independent appraisal of the assets?
Will the key employees stay with the business?
Does your market research support the viability of this business? Does it have a
well-defined market?

Has there been development of new competition for this service or product? Can the
market support this amount of competition?
Have other tourism-related businesses, or the area in general, suffered an overall decline
in visitors? Why?
Has the business developed a poor reputation among tourists, among the local business
community, or among employees? Why? Will you be able to overcome this? How? (Are
there any legal judgments against the company?)
Does the business receive a positive rating in the site evaluation criteria? Are there any
land planning, regulatory or environmental issues that could impact the viability of the
business in the future?
For further information the prospective buyer should also meet with lenders and with
other members of the business community. Additional information on buying a business
can be obtained through The Business Link’s website: www.canadabusiness.ab.ca
Approaching Lending Agencies

Most businesses require financial assistance for capital and/or operating costs. To acquire
such assistance, a complete concept plan and detailed business plan are very important.
In addition to the key plans described in Section IV of this guide, most lenders will
require the following information and documentation:
• Background information on the development – where is it located, what facilities are
involved and who owns the property? Include any maps, photographs or other visual
displays.
• Background information on the developer – form of organization, who is involved,
what other business ventures is he/she involved in, what is his/her track record, his/
her assets and personal financial net worth.

• Complete market analysis – a comprehensive review of the customers, the competition,

the demand for this project, the anticipated usage and occupancy.
• Complete business plan, including capital cost estimates for facilities (and sources of
financing) and a forecasted statement of income and expenses, projected cash flow
statement and pro forma balance sheets. (Forecasts should be prepared for at least
three years).
• Amount and purpose of the loan and the term for which it is required.
• The opening balance sheet or capital budget statement, identifying all proposed
sources of financing.
• Repayment plan – justify on the basis of cash flow projections.

• Type of security offered for the loan.
• References – business and credit related.
To acquire financial assistance, a complete concept plan and detailed business plan
are very important.

Notes and Comments

Section IV: The Key Plans
By this point in the business development process you have a very clear idea of what you
want to do, where you want to be and how you are going to get there. All the background
information has been gathered and you are ready to prepare three key plans:
• The Business Plan.
• The Marketing Plan.
• The Concept Plan.
These three documents will allow you to more easily navigate other steps of the
development process; securing financing and obtaining your permits and approvals. This
section of the guide describes the elements of each plan.
Packaging and Presentation

First impressions Not every project needs a scale model or professional, full-color renderings – in fact,
most tourism businesses are small operations that may have had their beginnings planned
do count – an on a napkin. However, all plans and proposals should contain information that is clearly
organized, stated, reliably sourced, and accurate.
professional Each plan or proposal must both interest the reader in your project and be clear with any
looking related request for assistance, particularly as it relates to financing. First impressions do
presentation count – an organized, professional looking presentation and well-documented information
are definite assets.
and well-
Successful proposals range in form from brief, typed, corner-stapled documents to
documented three-ring binders containing complete information and site photos/design concepts or
information are detailed conceptual drawings. The packaging used should be in scale with the proposed
definite assets. development.
Simple or detailed, make sure the information is complete and accurate. For most
development applications, the proposal should also be easy to photocopy because it will
be distributed to several people for review.
The introductory pages of each plan should quickly and simply explain the highlights
of your project and provide background information on the development – where it is
to be located, what facilities are involved and who owns the property. Include maps,
photographs and other relevant graphics.
58 Section IV: The Key Plans

Business Plan
Please refer to the ATPR’s Tourism Business Planning Guide for more information on
how to prepare a business plan: www.tpr.alberta.ca
The summary of all your market and financial research will be encompassed in your
business plan. The plan describes your business goals and the business concept in relation
to local/regional and tourism markets. It outlines the way in which you intend to finance
and manage your project. It incorporates a detailed financial analysis, including cash
flow forecasts, projected income statements and pro forma balance sheets. The business
plan is the basis of your submission to lenders and investors: be sure to present estimates
of future profitability based on research and sound assumptions. This plan is also your
own guide to what you expect your business to achieve. It should contain:
• A summary of your proposal, the intended product/service and target market group(s),
a description of industry trends, your competitive positioning, management highlights
and the financing request at hand.
• A description of your business goals/objectives, anticipated sales volume, market
share, visitor satisfaction, repeat visitation and or other similar targets.
• A marketing plan that includes a description of products/services to be offered and an
analysis of the market, trends, competition and identification of your target markets.
It should also highlight your sales and promotional strategy. This section may be
presented in a separate plan.
• A financial plan, that includes projected income statements, cash flow statements and
pro forma balance sheets that provide detailed monthly operating forecasts for the first
year of operation and annual forecasts for the next two to three years. (Includes opening
balance sheet and statement of construction/start-up costs and sources of financing). A
discussion of debt/equity financing and the corresponding ratio analysis are required.
Include financial statements with previous year’s balance sheets and income statements
(for an existing business). (May also include personal net worth statements of the
shareholders.)
This plan is
also your own
guide to what
you expect
your business
to achieve.

• A management plan, which will set out the organizational form and structure of
the business. It should highlight the skills, experience and responsibilities of the
management team. (This section should contain a discussion of the developer’s
background - who is involved, what other business ventures is he/she involved in and
what is his/her track record in business).
• Operations plan, discussing operational parameters such as hours of operation,
insurance, risk management practices, cash/credit handling, procurement, staff
training, etc.
• A project schedule, covering government and financial approvals, construction period
and preparation time before the development opens its doors.
• A staffing plan based upon detailed human resource requirements. Summarize duties,
responsibilities and reporting relationships. (You may choose to do a more detailed
human resource plan to supplement the business plan.)
• Your environmental/green position. Outline how you will address social and
environment obligations in your area, such as volunteerism, recycling and alternative
energy sources.
• A critical risks and assumptions analysis should outline your underlying assumptions
in support of the business plan. The major risks facing your proposed business operation
should also be summarized with contingency plans you will adopt to mitigate the
negative impact of these risks.
Refer to ATPR’s Tourism Business Planning Guide and Tourism Funding Sources
Guide at: www.tpr.alberta.ca
Detailed examples and worksheets for business plans can be obtained from The Business
Link (Canada-Alberta Business Service Centres): www.canadabusiness.ab.ca or 1-800-
272-9675
You can also find an interactive business plan at: www.canadabusiness.ca/ibp
Marketing Plan
Your marketing plan can take two forms. It is a major component of your business plan
and it may also be a separate document that expands upon and details the marketing
information contained in the business plan.
The supply and demand analysis undertaken as part of determining project feasibility
gives you a clear picture of the people you are aiming to attract and the competition you
are faced with. Your marketing plan outlines the strategy for achieving your targeted
share of the market. This plan is an important step and should be started early in the
development process. Your marketing plan should include:
• A definition of your target market(s) including type, size and geographic region.
Provide a profile of the clients you anticipate attracting (Demographics: age, sex,
household composition and income. Psychographics: interests, beliefs, values and
activities).

• An analysis of the tourism supply: Who your competition is, what their strengths/
weaknesses are, how you will position yourself vis a vis the competition, what your
competitive advantage is and what percentage of the market you feel that you can
attract.
• A section on how you plan to initially attract your clients: Outline a campaign for
marketing the development through various media (print, broadcast, web/internet)
complete with costs and schedules according to your proposed opening date.
• A section on future marketing efforts: Marketing efforts to launch a development
often differ from ongoing marketing efforts. A section of the marketing plan should
generally discuss the timing and shift of resources and strategy. This should also
include additional market research, over and above that done to initially investigate
the opportunity (e.g. customer feedback forms and customer databases).
• Overall advertising strategy: Contact local and regional media for reader/audience
data, rates etc. Talk to other operators for proven techniques.
• Overall sales strategy: How will personal sales activities be utilized to capture
business?
• Planned promotional campaigns: Determine the timing of these activities (discounts,
contests, publicity, etc.) and estimate the associated costs.
• How you will use referral groups and associations such as Travel Alberta, Tourism
Destination Regions, destination marketing associations, Chambers of Commerce and
tour companies.
• Examine road signage needs and restrictions. The Province has a tourism highway
signage program. Details can be found at: www.signupalberta.com
• Cooperative and joint marketing efforts with other operators.
• Costs to undertake various activities should be outlined in a marketing budget.
• Method of evaluation: How will you measure the effectiveness of your marketing
efforts?
Travel Alberta also provides information on tourism marketing plans on their website:
www.industry.travelalberta.com
The Business Link has information on marketing plans at: www.canadabusiness.ab.ca
Conceptual Development Plan
Putting the Information Together

The information gathered through the site evaluation process is used to prepare a
conceptual development plan that summarizes all the site conditions and resources. It
includes a schematic diagram of all proposed buildings and facilities and the intended
means of servicing them.

This concept plan is the basis for obtaining land-use approvals and for developing cost
estimates used in the financial analysis. Make sure all the questions have been answered
and the concept plan is complete. If the project is large, it may be advisable to obtain the
help of a professional consultant for concept plans and cost estimates for buildings and
site development.
The physical concept plan is a combination of graphic and written information. This
package should include:
• A site analysis summary outlining the physical features of the site and noting any
deficiencies that must be overcome.
• An environmental impact statement reviewing the existing environment and its
capability to adjust to the proposed development. Ways of mitigating and minimizing
negative impacts are laid out as part of the development, community liaison and
construction processes. This may be a separate document depending on the scale of
your development and the requirements specified for land leasing and/or a development
permit.
• A program statement describing the users, activities and interactions in physical
design components and what is required in each.
• An illustration that generally places all the physical development components on a
map of the site and shows all circulation patterns between active areas.
Notes and Comments

Section V: Development and Licensing Approvals
Section V: Development
and Licensing Approvals
Anticipating the Approvals

Needed
In the process of evaluating a suitable site and reviewing
the various land acquisition options, you have approached
many of the approval agencies to obtain background
information on the site or the general area. Now is the Many municipalities and regions also
time to benefit from the working relationships you have have economic development offices
established. Collect your notes, all application forms and,
perhaps most importantly, those precious lists of names, specifically set up to help you work
titles and telephone numbers. through the development process.
Preparation – Get Your

Information Together
Throughout the approvals process, a developer has to fill out numerous forms and supply
additional information to government agencies. Always be prepared to provide:
• The legal description of the property and a copy of the registered title or lease
agreement number.
• A signed affidavit from the legal owner(s) if applications are being made on their
behalf.
• Site dimensions. Copies of property plans and dimensions can be obtained from the
land titles office and possibly from local survey firms.
• A brief written summary of the proposed business including proposed hours of

operation, number of employees and anticipated number of visitors.
• A simple diagram showing building sizes and location in relation to property lines.
Include any important physical information such as watercourses, easements, rights-
of-way and existing land uses.

Gaining Local Support

It is very important at the beginning of the process to assess community attitudes toward
development. Aim to establish an open and positive relationship with residents and local
governments. Start right at the site evaluation stage – talk with local planners and members
of town councils. Talk to local business owners and residents to find out their reactions.
Do your due diligence to understand where the community stands on environmental,
social and economic issues.
Many tourism developments take place in communities that strongly support tourism
initiatives and welcome new additions to the level of products and services offered
locally. However, in some areas, tourism developments may be perceived as a negative
element in the local community or as a threat to the environment. Often, the proponent
must prove that the development will not place undue pressure on areas of public concern
such as fish stocks, the local water supply or an increase in the level of traffic. In special
areas such as the mountains, foothills or other highly valued recreation areas, the potential
developer should carefully review the goals of the community as stated in their planning
documents. Gaining local support depends on good communication and understanding
local concerns. To achieve good communication, plan and prepare to meet with local
advisory groups and residents.
Overview of the Development Process

There are three levels of government with which a tourism developer may need to
consult. Each level of government has established procedures for approving and assisting
with development activities. If your project involves numerous or complex approvals,
different levels of assistance will be required. Private consultants can take your idea to
completion, or you can do it on your own with information and advisory services from
departments like:
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation
• Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
• Alberta Municipal Affairs
Many municipalities and regions also have economic development offices specifically
set up to help you work through the development process.
Sequence of Approvals
From concept to opening day, tourism developments – large and small alike – are subject
to a number of approvals. A prospective developer may even make applications on
behalf of the current owner, and make a conditional offer to purchase subject to these
approvals. Applications for some types of approvals can be processed simultaneously.
Most developers, however, find that they must follow the sequence outlined in Chart 4
(page 65).
64 Section V: Development and Licensing Approvals

It is exceedingly important that prospective developers initiate discussions with all

approval agencies regarding general feasibility and reactions to the project prior to
making any commitment to developing or purchasing a site. If, for example, a project
depends on land use bylaw approval, obtain the approval before purchasing the site.
Taking such precautions in the early stages of the project will help avoid having to seek a
new site when the project is much further along due to approvals not being granted.
Be Prepared For Setbacks

The most critical approvals are those subject to public reaction. Requirements for
development or building permits and licensing are generally more technical and
straightforward in nature; specific conditions as stated in provincial legislation and
municipal bylaws have to be satisfied. However, be aware that the lack of even one minor
approval could send the project back to the beginning of the process.
Ensure that all the requirements have been addressed before making
a financial commitment to the site.
The Main Players and Areas of Responsibility

The following are the three main areas of jurisdiction and their areas of responsibility
that may influence your development:
Local Municipality
• Land use designations and subdivision controls.
• Development and building permits, servicing agreements and connections.
• Business licenses.
• Source of local information, detailed mapping.
Chart 4 – General Sequence of Approvals

Obtain
Initial discussion Obtain land use development Obtain operating
with approval Select appropriate
and resource use and building licenses and
site
agencies approvals permit approvals
approvals
Select new site if

approvals denied

Provincial Government
• Encourages tourism development through departments such as Alberta Tourism, Parks
and Recreation, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Culture and
Community Spirit.
• Manages natural resources including provincial parks, Crown lands, water resources
(lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater), fish and wildlife and allocating shoreline
leases.
• Environmental Assessment Process.
• Transportation plans and developments and highway signage.
• The Safety Codes Act establishes safety standards by regulation for areas of provincial
jurisdiction. Permission to carry out work and inspections for compliance are the
responsibility of accredited local authorities and agencies. Regulations include
building, fire protection, gas, propane, plumbing, private sewage systems, electrical,
boilers and pressure vessels, elevators, ski/gondola lifts and amusement rides.
• Commercial vehicles – permits.
• Food, liquor and accommodation requirements and licenses.
• Crown land leasing (Alberta Tourism Recreation Leasing Process).
• Métis land is governed by Métis Settlement legislation in Alberta. Developed
cooperatively by the Province of Alberta and the Alberta Federation of Métis
Settlements Association, this legislation establishes the only Métis land base and the
only form of legislated Métis government in Canada.
Federal Government
• Federal regulations mainly involve transportation and harbour activities. Aircraft and
vessel licenses for passenger craft are also federal responsibilities.
• National Parks are a federal responsibility through the Parks Canada Agency.
• Indian Reserves are a federal responsibility.
• May participate with provinces in environmental impact assessments through federal
departments, particularly for projects with inter-jurisdictional implications.
• Construction and installation on federal property is regulated by National Safety

Codes. However, federal authorities may rely upon the provincial Safety Codes Act
and inspections for the work.
Chart 5 (page 67) outlines the development approval process.

Chart 5 – Tourism Projects Development Approval Process
1. Project Description
2. Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing/Process Application (Crown Land Lease)
3. Integrated Resource Plan (Compliance or Amendment)
4. Environmental Assessment Process
5. Natural Resource Conservation Board
6. Obtain Letter of Intent for Crown Land Lease
7. Municipal Development Plan (Compliance or Amendment)
8. Area Structure Plan (Compliance or Amendment)
9. Land Use By-Law (Compliance or Amendment)
10. Tentative Plan of Subdivision

11. Development Agreement
12. Provincial Permits (e.g. Drainage)
13. Obtain Crown Land Lease
14. Registered Plan of Subdivision
15. Development Permit
16. Building Permit
17. Start Construction
18. Occupancy Permit
19. Business License
20. Open for Business
21. Final Acceptance Certificate
NOTE:
If private land, delete steps 2, 3, 6 and 13. If no Environmental Assessment Process is required, delete
steps 4 and 5. If no subdivision, delete steps 10 and 14. A development agreement may be required as a
condition of a development permit.

Municipal and Local Approvals

For the most part, local municipal governments are responsible for deciding whether a
project is suitable in terms of land use and for dictating the development standards that
will be associated with it.
Provincial Crown lands are administered by provincial government authorities and

contact should be with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
Timing
Each municipality follows procedures and time lines for approving development
applications as defined by the Municipal Government Act. However, the actual timing of
these procedures will vary somewhat between areas. Check with the local planning and
building permit offices for their procedures and time frames. Many municipalities have
procedure manuals describing the particular steps for approval or amendment of permits
and bylaws.
Information in this regard can also be obtained through Alberta Municipal Affairs.
Most applications will be approved considerably faster if the land is already designated
for the proposed use. Getting property properly designated and statutory plans changed
to allow for the proposed land use can add significantly to time lines. It will also delay
other approvals.
Check with the
local planning Land use approvals are critical – be thorough and critical in the site
and building selection process to avoid setbacks.
permit offices Fees
for their
Municipalities charge for processing development and amendment applications.
procedures and
time frames. Statutory Plans and Land Use Bylaws
Most Alberta communities have a municipal development plan, which contains general
growth and development policies for future expansion and changes within the municipality.
Area structure plans may have been adopted to provide more detailed planning for a
portion of the municipality.
A Land Use Bylaw implements statutory plans. It divides a municipality into districts and
establishes conditions and standards for land use and development in each district.
In reviewing these documents a developer should consider these questions:

• Does the proposal comply with the permitted or discretionary uses specified in the
Land Use Bylaw?
• Can the development be achieved within the minimum lot sizes, lot frontage, lot
coverage, building setbacks and parking requirements specified in the Land Use
Bylaw?

• Is the use permitted or supported in principle in the statutory plans?

• Is the property within a specially designated area? If so, what special site design,
layout, access or other conditions will be required?
The proposed development must meet all planning regulations. If not, you will have to
apply to amend the bylaw and/or statutory plans.
Alberta Municipal Affairs has information that is a helpful guide through the municipal
planning process and the steps in the subdivision process at: www.municipalaffairs.
alberta.ca/mc_planning.cfm
Amendment Procedures
Actual procedures for amendments to statutory and land use bylaws are specified in the
Municipal Government Act and are followed by all municipalities.
Should amendments be required, it is most important to first determine whether the

municipality is prepared to support the proposed changes. The amendments must be
approved by the elected municipal council. Recommendations will likely be heard
from staff, as well as other government agencies and, input will be received at a public
hearing.
If the amendment requested is of a minor nature, the process may be very straightforward.
If, however, the project is controversial or represents a major change in the community’s
future land use, the process will be more involved.
Check with the municipality to confirm the process for applying for a building and
other safety codes permits.

Meet with residents and municipal staff and bring clear, well-documented information
to all meetings. Be prepared to address the arguments against development. It is the
responsibility of the developer to provide a rationale for the proposal, and address any
physical, environmental or economic concerns of the community.
The steps toward amending a Municipal Development Plan or an Area Structure Plan
Bylaw or a Land Use Bylaw are outlined in Chart 6 (page 71). If amendments are
required, the applications can run concurrently.
The municipal council may approve or refuse your requested amendment(s). Once the
necessary amendment(s) is approved, you are free to apply for the development permit,
which regulates the use and form of the development.
Safety Codes Permits

Construction and installation related to building, gas, plumbing, electrical, boilers,
elevators, amusement rides, ski lifts and private sewage systems are regulated by the
Safety Codes Act. You will require a permit to carry out work related to these activities.
A permit must be obtained prior to any construction or installation activity as a permit
gives permission to do the work. Inspections will be conducted during and after the work
to determine compliance to the permit conditions and the Safety Codes Act. Permits may
be issued by the municipality or by an accredited agency. Check with the municipality to
confirm the process for applying for a building and other safety codes permits.
Remember that the person who has care and control over the building is responsible for
compliance under the Safety Codes Act. This will usually be the owner of the building after
completion of the project and also may be the owner among others during construction.
Should there be deficiencies after the building is completed, an inspector’s order will be
issued to the owner for compliance as inspectors do not assign fault or liability.
Each municipality has different specific procedures but be prepared to supply:

• Scale drawings of the site plan, building elevations and floor plans. Several copies will
be required.
• Scale plans of electrical and plumbing installations.

The accredited local authorities or agencies will make inspections throughout the
construction process to ensure conformance with codes and regulations:
• The Alberta Building Code.
• The Canadian Electrical Code.
• The Canadian Standards Association Gas and Propane Installation Code.
• The Alberta Fire Code.
• The National Plumbing Code of Canada.
• The Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice.

Chart 6 - Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Area Structure Plan
Amendment Procedures
• Discuss with municipal staff.
• Request staff to prepare and submit Request to Council.
• Municipality gives first reading to go ahead.
• Public notice is given.
• Hold public meeting.
• Draft amendment as necessary.
• Second reading by council.

• Third and final reading by council.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment Procedures
• Discuss with local development officer.
• Submit application and fee.
• The application is received by the authorities.
• Municipal Council gives first reading to bylaw.
• Public notice in papers once a week for two consecutive weeks, before meeting.
• Send out notices to adjacent owners.

• Hold public meeting.
• Council gives second reading.
• Third and final reading by council.

Chart 7 – The Subdivision Process Subdivision Process

Some tourism developments require a subdivision – that
is, a separate lot or lots created from the original parcel.
Subdivision application and No construction or development should take place until
review final registration of the subdivision occurs. This process
could take several months. Refer to Chart 7 for an outline
of the subdivision process.
Preliminary approval A municipality establishes standards for lot sizes, access
and servicing. If the developer requires a subdivision and
providing the district is appropriate for the development,
the subdivision application is made to the municipal
Final survey and plan authority and tentative approval is given within 60
registration days. All conditions of approval must be met within one
year. The developer is usually responsible for all costs
pertaining to servicing infrastructure (roads, water, power,
sewer) and usually signs a development/servicing agreement
with the municipality to set out responsibilities and costs.
Survey, road construction, Access onto and development near provincial highways
water, sewer, hydro, telephone will require approval from Alberta Transportation. A legal
survey and final registration of the subdivision at the Land
Titles Office takes place when all conditions have been
met.
Park and Public Access Requirements

Developers may be required to provide land as environmental reserve if it is a ravine
or river valley, is subject to flooding or is unstable, or is required to give access to a
body of water. In addition a municipality may require up to 10 per cent of the area to be
subdivided to be provided for park or school purposes.
Check this requirement with the local planning authority – it may have a significant
impact on your tourism development. In some cases, cash in lieu of land is permitted.
Appeal Procedures
You have 14 days after receiving an unfavourable development permit decision to submit
an appeal. The direct route to appeal this permit decision is through submitting a written
statement to the municipal subdivision and development appeal board. The board will
hold a hearing within 30 days of receiving the written appeal. The appellant (that’s you),
persons to whom notice of the original permit were given, and any land owners the board
deems to be potentially affected by the appeal, are notified at least five days before the
hearing.
The board receives and reviews all information placed before it and must give a written
decision within 15 days of closing the hearing.
A board decision may be appealed to the Court of Appeal on a point of law or
jurisdiction.

Subdivision applications that are denied, usually do not meet the use provisions of a
land use bylaw or the policies of a statutory plan. Most decisions can be appealed to
the municipal subdivision and development appeal board. Certain subdivisions must be
appealed to the Municipal Government Board. Appeals must be made within 30 days of
an application being refused.
If the appeal board subsequently denies the appeal, a further appeal can be made to the
Court of Appeal but only as it pertains to a question of law or jurisdiction. Furthermore,
it must be made within 30 days of the board denying the appeal.
Environmental Assessment Process

Tourism development proposals which are either very large or have significant
environmental impacts may be required to prepare Environmental Assessment Process
reports (EAP). Development proponents are well advised to contact the Alberta
Environment Information Centre at (780) 427-2700 early in the development approval
process to determine whether or not an EAP reports will be required.
The National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), an agency of the Government of
Alberta and reports to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development, will review all
tourism and recreation projects that are required to undertake an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA).
Smaller development proposals in provincial parks and recreation areas may also require
an environmental assessment. Guidance on this requirement would be provided as part of
the application and approval process administered by the Parks Division of ATPR.
Licensing and Operating Requirements

The granting of a license is generally the final level of approval, and is based on the
completion of all other components such as land development and building approvals.
Some of the licenses and other operating requirements that must be obtained or met prior
to operating most types of tourism businesses are listed here.
Local Government Licenses

• Business License – Issued by a municipality and usually renewed annually with a
standard fee. All district requirements must be met. Operating requirements (such as
hours of business) will be stipulated as part of the business license.
• Commercial Vehicles – Municipalities require licensing of all commercial vehicles.
• Municipal Taxes – Property taxes are based on the assessed value of the land and
improvements. They are due annually to the municipality. Business taxes may also be
applied to the user of the property.

Provincial Government Licenses and Approvals

In addition to managing Crown land and Provincial Parks, there are many provincial agencies responsible for ensuring
public safety and health requirements.
If You Want To: Contact
Appeal a subdivision. • Municipal subdivision and development appeal

board or, in certain cases, the Municipal
Government Board.
Subdivide any area. • Local municipality.
Build a boat ramp, wharf or modify the shoreline in any • Alberta Environment.
significant way. • Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public
Lands Division/Fish and Wildlife.
Acquire a permit to construct retaining walls into a lake, • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public
commercial piers, breakwaters or a permanent domestic Lands Division.
pier or boat launching facility. • Alberta Environment.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Install a ski lift or aerial tramway. • Alberta Elevating Devices and Amusement Rides
Safety Association (AEDARSA).
Develop adjacent to a provincial highway. • Alberta Transportation, local district office.
Become a licensed fishing or hunting guide/outfitter. • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish
and Wildlife Division, regional or district offices.
• Alberta Professional Outfitters Society.
Establish a facility on Crown land. • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public

Lands Division.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Tourism
Business Development Unit (advisory services) and
Tourism Development Branch.
Establish a facility in a provincial park. • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks
Division.
Business Development Unit (advisory services).
Undertake commercial canoe, kayak or river-raft • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public
Lands Division.
expeditions.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks
Division – if the activity is located within a park or
protected area managed by the Division.
• Alberta Environment.
Consider water from a river, lake or stream as a potential • Alberta Environment.

water supply. • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public
Lands Division/ Fish and Wildlife Division.

If You Want To: Contact
Install a septic system for sewage disposal. • Alberta Environment.

• Licensed Private Sewage Installer. Further
information from Alberta Municipal Affairs, Safety
Services Branch.
Register a company, partnership or co-operative. • Service Alberta.

• Private registry outlet.
Register with the Workers’ Compensation Board (must be • Workers’ Compensation Board.
done before commencing operation – the responsibility
of employers with respect to accident prevention,
industrial hygiene and first aid are outlined in the Workers’
Compensation Act).
Apply for registration of your tourist accommodations in the • Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association.
Alberta Accommodation Guide.
Know the rights of employees and employers, and what • Alberta Labour Relations Board.
defines unfair labour practices. • Alberta Employment and Immigration.
Know the regulations for health and safety of employees in • Workers’ Compensation Board.
the workplace. • Alberta Employment and Immigration.
Find information on trade practices for advertising and • Service Alberta.

business transactions.
Know the detailed requirements that must be met by travel • Service Alberta.
agencies and tour companies regarding the capital net • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Tourism
worth and trust fund requirements of customers’ monies. Business Development Unit.
Develop a project within a Restricted Development Area • Local municipality.

(RDA), around the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. • Alberta Infrastructure.
Find marketing programs to assist tourism operators. • Travel Alberta Corporation.
Federal Government Requirements

There are federal licenses that are relevant to some types of tourism operations, particularly those involving transportation
of tourists or customers:
• The Civil Aviation Branch of Transport Canada controls the licensing of all pilots. Any operation that transports
customers by plane or helicopter must conform to commercial licensing regulations.
• Transport Canada regulates commercial passenger transport vehicles – administered through the Provincial Motor
Transport Board.

• Canada Coast Guard certifies passenger vessels, hovercrafts, charter boats, including sports fishing charter
operations.
• The Small Craft Harbour Branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintain public harbours and wharves. In addition,
their approval is required for construction of breakwaters to protect harbour/marina facilities.
Insurance
Although this is not strictly an operating requirement, all potential tourism developers should research their insurance
requirements for both property and liability insurance.
Summary Checklist of Approvals Needed

Note each type of approval relevant to the project and contact the appropriate agency for application information in the
tables below.
Land Use and Resource Approval Contact Agency
Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plan or Land • Local municipality.

Use Bylaw amendment.
Crown Land Lease. • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Lands

Division.
Development Branch (advisory services).
Water Use Rights. • Alberta Environment.

• Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Lands
Division/ Fish and Wildlife Division.
Development in a Provincial Park. • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks

Division.
Development in Kananaskis Country. • Kananaskis Country.

• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks
Division.
Development in a National Park. • Parks Canada Agency.

Building, Servicing and

Development Approvals Contact Agency
Development Permit/Building Permit Crown Land Lease. • Local municipality.

• Accredited Authority (local authority or agency).
Servicing Agreement (Urban). • Local municipality.
Water Supply Approval (Rural). • Alberta Environment.
Sewage Disposal Rural. • Alberta Environment.

• Local municipality or accredited authority if it is a
private sewage disposal system.
Solid Waste Disposal. • Local municipality.
Provincial Highway Access. • Alberta Transportation, local district office.
Electricity and/or Gas Supply. • Local municipality and local utility company.
Subdivision Application. • Local municipality.
Plumbing Inspection. • Local municipality (non-accredited municipalities

use accredited agencies for inspections).
Operating Licenses
and Permits Contact Agency
Municipal Business License. • Local municipality.
Liquor License. • Alberta Liquor Control Board.
Food Operation License. • Local municipality or Local Health Office.
Guide and Outfitters License. • Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and

Wildlife Division.
• Alberta Professional Outfitters Society.
Charter Boat License. • Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Passenger Aircraft License. • Transport Canada.
Bus or Other Passenger Vehicle. • Provincial Motor Transport Board.
Commercial guiding and instructing activity (provincial • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks
parks, wild land parks, provincial recreation areas). Division.

Travel Agency or Tour Operator. • Service Alberta.
Accommodation Registration (optional). • Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association.
Listing on the Travel Alberta website (optional). • Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Tourism
Services Branch.
Construction
By now, all the necessary approvals and permits to advance into the final stages of design have been received.
Chart 8 (page 79) illustrates one possible flow of activities prior to a successful business start-up. Note that construction
and operation activities proceed together.
The order or arrangement of tasks may change but be sure to include them all. Anticipate the demands the schedule of
events will place on you and plan accordingly.
You are encouraged to contact Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Tourism Business Development, Research and
Investment Branch for information and advisory services at anytime during the tourism development process. The
department wishes you every success in your business venture.
Please refer to our other guides to help you in your tourism venture:
• Tourism Business Planning Guide

• Tourism Funding Sources Guide
These guides are on the ATPR website: www.tpr.alberta.ca
ATPR wishes
you every
success in
your business
venture.

Chart 8 – Construction and Business Start-Up
Obtain necessary approvals and permits
Finalize design Finalize operating credit
Obtain estimates/bids Engage marketing and

promotion
Tender
Hire and train staff
Construction
Obtain inventory, supplies
Receive final approvals
Open for business, congratulations!

Notes and Comments

Notes and Comments

Section VI: Contacts and Resources
Federal Government Agencies Huntington Galleria

201-4628 Calgary Trail NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 6A1
All Government of Canada programs and services can be Telephone: (780) 495-7200
contacted toll free anywhere in Canada. Fax: (780) 495-7198
Toll free: 1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
Edmonton West Office
Business Development Bank of 236 Mayfield Common
Canada Edmonton, Alberta T5P 4B3
www.bdc.ca Telephone: (780) 442-7312
Fax: (780) 495-3102
Calgary Office
Suite 110, Barclay Centre Grande Prairie Office
444 – 7th Avenue SW Suite 203, 10625, West Side Drive
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8 Grand Prairie, Alberta T8V 8E6
Telephone: (403) 292-5000 Telephone: (780) 532-8875
Fax: (403) 292-6616 Fax: (780) 539-5130
Calgary North Office Lethbridge Office

1935 – 32 Ave NE, Suite 100 520 – 5th Avenue South
Calgary North, Alberta T2E 2C8 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0T8
Fax: (403) 292-6651 Fax: (403) 382-3162
Calgary South Office Red Deer Office

Sovereign Building 4815 – 50th Avenue, Suite 107
Suite 200, 6700 Macleod Trail SE Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4A5
Calgary, Alberta T2H 0L3 Telephone: (403) 340-4203
Telephone: (403) 292-8882 Fax: (403) 340-4243
Fax: (403) 292-4345
Culture, Heritage and Recreation
Edmonton Office www.culturecanada.gc.ca
First Edmonton Place
200 - 10665 Jasper Avenue Canadian Heritage Culture Canada
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S9 15 Eddy Street, 15-8-G
Telephone: (780) 495-2277 Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5
Toll free: 1-888-463-6232 Telephone: (819) 997-0055
Fax: (780) 495-6616 Toll free: 1-866-811-0055
Email: info@pch.ca
Edmonton South Office
Environment Canada
www.ec.gc.ca
82 Section VI: Contacts and Resources

Environment Canada - Prairies, Northwest Telephone: (403) 292-4575

Fax: (403) 292-4295
Territories and Nunavut (Prairie and
Northern Region) Edmonton Office
Suite 725, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Alberta Office Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3
Room 200, 4999-98 Avenue, Telephone: (780) 495-4782
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 Toll free: 1-800-461-2646
Telephone: (780) 951-8600 Fax: (780) 495-4780
Fax: (780) 495-2615
Parks Canada Agency
Fisheries and Oceans Canada www.pc.gc.ca
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Parks Canada National Office
Communications Branch 25 Eddy Street
200 Kent Street Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5
13th Floor, Station 13E228 Toll free: 1-888-773-8888
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E6 Email: information@pc.gc.ca
Telephone: (613) 993-0999
Fax: (613) 990-1866 Alberta’s National Park Offices:
Toll free: 1-800-465-7735
Banff National Park of Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs P.O. Box 900
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca Banff, Alberta T1L 1K2
Telephone: (403) 762-1550
INAC Public Enquiries Contact Centre Fax: (403) 762-3380
Terrasses de la Chaudière  Email: banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca
10 Wellington, North Tower 
Gatineau, Quebec  Elk Island National Park
Postal Address: RR1, Site 4
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H4 Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta T8L 2N7
Toll free: 1-800-567-9604  Telephone: (780) 992-2950
Fax: 1-866-817-3977  Fax: (780) 992-2951
Email: elk.island@pc.gc.ca
Industry Canada
www.ic.gc.ca Jasper National Park
P.O. Box 10
Industry Canada Web Service Centre  Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0
Industry Canada  Telephone: (780) 852-6176
C.D. Howe Building  Fax: (780) 852-6152
235 Queen Street  Email: pnj.jnp@pc.gc.ca
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5 
Toll free: 1-800-328-6189
Fax: (613) 954-2340 Waterton Lakes National Park
P.O. Box 200
Calgary Office Waterton Park, Alberta T0K 2M0
Suite 400, 639 - 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9

Telephone: (403) 859-2224 Transport Canada

Fax: (403) 859-5152 www.tc.gc.ca
Email: waterton.info@pc.gc.ca
Transport Canada Centre- Edmonton
Wood Buffalo National Park: Canada Place
1100, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Park Headquarters Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4E6
Box 750 Telephone: (780) 495-3810
Fort Smith, N.W.T. X0E 0P0 Email: pnrweb@tc.gc.ca
Telephone: (867) 872-7900
Fax: (867) 872-3910
Email: wbnp.info@pc.gc.ca
Provincial Agencies
Fort Chipewyan Office
Box 38 For all inquiries on Government of Alberta programs and
Fort Chipewyan, Alberta T0P 1B0 services, contact the Programs & Services Call Centre:
Telephone: (780) 697-3662 Telephone: 310-0000 (toll free anywhere in Alberta)
Fax: (780) 697-3560 (780) 427-2711 (outside of Alberta)
Email: wbnp.info@pc.gc.ca www.programs.alberta.ca/contact_us.aspx
Statistics Canada Service Alberta

www.statcan.gc.ca www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
Statistics Canada Prairie Regional Office Consumer Services and UCA

Toll free: 1-800-263-1136 17th Floor TD Tower
Fax: 1-877-287-4369 10088 - 102 Avenue
Email: infostats@statcan.ca Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Z1
Telephone: (780) 310-4822 (in Alberta)
Calgary Office Telephone: (780) 644-5130 (outside Alberta)
Harry Hays Building, Suite 686
220 4th Avenue SE Citizen Services Call Centre:
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4X3
Toll free: 1-800-263-1136 Calgary Office
6th Floor John J. Bowlen Building
Edmonton Office 620 - 7 Avenue SW
Suite 900, 10909 Jasper Avenue Calgary, Alberta T2P 0Y8
Associated Engineering Plaza Telephone: (403) 297-7157
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4J3
Toll free: 1-800-263-1136 Edmonton Office
5th Floor Park Plaza
10611 - 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2P7
Telephone: (780) 427-3167

Regional Land Titles Offices: Community Services Offices:

Calgary Office Head Office - Edmonton
Service Alberta Building 803 Standard Life Centre
710 - 4 Avenue SW 10405 Jasper Avenue
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0K3 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Fax: (403) 297-8641 Toll free in Alberta: 310-0000
Email: lto@gov.ab.ca Fax: (780) 427-4155
Edmonton Office Northern Region:

Mezzanine Floor,
John E. Brownlee Building St. Paul
10365-97 Street 3rd Floor, Provincial Building
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7 5025-49 Avenue, Box 318
Telephone: (780) 427-2742 St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A4
Fax: (780) 422-4290 Telephone: (780) 645-6353
Email: lto@gov.ab.ca Fax: (780) 645-4760
Alberta Aboriginal Relations Grande Prairie

www.aboriginal.alberta.ca Room 1301, Provincial Building
10320 - 99 Street
13th Floor, Commerce Place Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6J4
10155 - 102 Street Telephone: (780) 538-5644
Edmonton Alberta T5J 4L6 Fax: (780) 538-5617
Telephone: (780) 427-8407
Fax: (780) 427-4019
High Prairie
Provincial Building
Alberta Culture and 5226-53 Avenue, Box 1078
Community Spirit High Prairie, Alberta T0G 1E0
www.culture.alberta.ca Telephone: (780) 523-6536
Fax: (780) 523-6538
Historic Sites and Museums
Old St. Stephen’s College Peace River
8820-112 Street Bag 900 - 11
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P8 9621 - 96 Avenue
Telephone: (780) 431-2300 Peace River, Alberta T8S 1T4
Telephone: (780) 624-6295
Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Fax: (780) 624-6228
Old St. Stephen’s College
8820 - 112 Street Yellowhead Region:
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P8
Telephone: (780) 431-2300 Stony Plain
Provincial Building
Lottery Funded Programs 4709 - 44 Avenue
50 Corriveau Avenue Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1N4
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3T5 Telephone: (780) 963-2281
Toll free: 1-800-642-3855 Fax: (780) 963-7009

Central Region: Labour Relations Board:

www.alrb.gov.ab.ca
Cochrane
Box 970, Provincial Building Edmonton Office
213 - 1 Street West Labour Building
Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A5 #501, 10808 - 99 Avenue
Telephone: (403) 932-2970 Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0G5
Fax: (403) 932-6017 Telephone: (780) 422-5926
Fax: (780) 422-0970
Red Deer Email: alrbinfo@gov.ab.ca
6th Floor, Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street Calgary Office
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 3rd Floor, Deerfoot Junction-Tower 3
Telephone: (403) 340-5115 1212 - 31st Avenue, NE
Fax: (403) 340-5381 Calgary, Alberta T2E 7S8
Telephone: (403) 297-4334
Alberta Employment Fax: (403) 297-5884
and Immigration Email: alrbinfo@gov.ab.ca
www.employment.alberta.ca
Telephone: (780) 644-5135 Workplace Policy & Legislation Branch
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 8th Floor Labour Building
10808 - 99 Avenue
Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board: Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0G5
www.wcb.ab.ca Telephone: (780) 427-2687
Toll free in Alberta: 1-866-922-9221 Workplace Health and Safety Policy and
Toll free fax in Alberta: 1-800-661-1993 Legislation
8th Floor Labour Building
Edmonton Office 10808 - 99 Avenue
P.O. Box 2415 Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0G5
9912 – 107 Street Telephone: (780) 415-8690
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2S5
Telephone: (780) 498-3999 Alberta Environment
www.environment.alberta.ca
Calgary Office
300-6 Avenue SE Alberta Environment Information Centre
Calgary, Alberta T2G 0G5 Main Floor, Oxbridge Place
Telephone: (403) 517-6000 9820 – 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
WCB Claims and Employer Inquiries Telephone: (780) 427-2700
Telephone (Edmonton): (780) 498-3999 Fax: (780) 422-4086
Telephone (Calgary): (403) 517-6000 Email: env.infocent@gov.ab.ca

Regional Environmental Camrose Regional Office

Management Division - 5005 - 49 Street
Camrose, Alberta T4V 1N5
Environmental Assessment Telephone: (780) 679-1235
Main Floor Twin Atria Building
4999 - 98 Avenue Edson Regional Office
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 111 - 54 Street
Telephone: (780) 427-8873 Edson, Alberta T7E 1T2
Fax: (780) 427-9102 Telephone: (780) 723-8229
Regional Offices: Grande Prairie Regional Office

Box 20
Northern Region - Edmonton 3rd Floor Provincial Building 10320 - 99 Street
Twin Atria Building Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6J4
#111, 4999 – 98 Avenue Telephone: (780) 538-5636
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
Telephone: (780) 427-7617 High Prairie Regional Office
Fax: (780) 427-7824 4723 - 53 Avenue
High Prairie, Alberta T0G 1E0
Southern Region - Calgary Telephone: (780) 523-6564
#303 Deerfoot Square Building
2938 - 11 Street, NE Lethbridge Regional Office
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7L7 105 Provincial Building
Telephone: (403) 297-7602 200 - 5 Avenue South
Fax: (403) 297-6069 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4L1
Telephone: (403) 381-5414
Central Region - Red Deer
#304, Provincial Building Medicine Hat Regional Office
4920 – 51 Street 1st Floor Provincial Building
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 346 - 3 Street SE
Telephone: (403) 340-7052 Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G7
Fax: (403) 340-5022 Telephone: (403) 529-3630
Alberta Finance and Enterprise Peace River Regional Office

www.finance.alberta.ca or www.albertacanada.com Bag 900 - 3, Provincial Building
9621 - 96 Avenue
4th Floor Commerce Place Peace River, Alberta T6S 1T4
10155 - 102 Street Telephone: (780) 624-6113
Telephone: (780) 427-6787 Pincher Creek Regional Office
Box 2813
Regional Development Offices: 1st Floor Provincial Building 782 Main Street
Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0
Calgary Regional Office Telephone: (403) 627-1165
3rd Floor Standard Life Building
639 - 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9
Telephone: (403) 297-8906

Red Deer Regional Office Brooks

2nd Floor Provincial Building Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street 220 - 4th Avenue W
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 Brooks, Alberta T1R 0G1
Telephone: (403) 340-5300 Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 362-1262
Fax: (403) 362-8078
St. Paul Regional Office
3rd Floor Provincial Building Calgary
5025 - 49 Avenue Deerfoot Atrium North
St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A4 Suite 150 6815 - 8th Street NE
Telephone: (780) 645-6358 Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 297-6281
Agriculture Financial Services Fax: (403) 297-8461
Corporation
www.afsc.ca Camrose
Box 5000 Stn M
4910 - 52nd Street
Lacombe Central Office
Camrose, Alberta T4V 4E8
5718 - 56 Avenue
Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (780) 679-1319
Lacombe, Alberta T4L 1B1
Fax: (780) 679-1758
Telephone: (403) 782-8200
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 679-1739
Fax: (780) 679-1758
Regional Offices: Telephone (Lending): (780) 679-1229
Fax: (780) 679-1300
Airdrie
97 East Lake Ramp NE
Cardston
Airdrie, Alberta T4A 0C3
Provincial Building
576 Main Street
Fax: (403) 948-1418
Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0
Insurance Phone: (403) 653-5154
Athabasca Telephone (Lending): (403) 653-5138
Provincial Building Fax: (403) 653-5156
100 - 4903 - 50th Street
Athabasca, Alberta T9S 1E2
Castor
4902 - 50th Avenue
Fax: (780) 675-3827
Box 719
Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0
Barrhead Telephone (Insurance): (403) 882-3770
Provincial Building Main Floor Fax: (403) 882-2746
Box 4533 (Insurance)
Box 4535 (Lending)
Claresholm
6203 - 49th Street
Provincial Building
Barrhead, Alberta T7N 1A4
109 - 46th Avenue W
Box 1227
Telephone (Lending): (780) 674-8216
Claresholm, Alberta T0L 0T0
Fax: (780) 674-8362
Fax: (403) 625-2862

Drumheller Foremost
Box 2319 Box 37
100 - 515 Highway 10 E 218 Main Street
Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0 Foremost, Alberta T0K 0X0
Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 823-1696 Telephone (Insurance): (403) 867-3666
Telephone (Insurance): (403) 823-1684 Fax: (403) 867-2038
Fax: (403) 823-5083 Fort Vermilion
PO Box 487
Edmonton 4601 - 46 Avenue
Room 100 Fort Vermilion, Alberta T0H 1N0
J.G. O’Donoghue Building Telephone (Insurance): (780) 927-4209
7000-113 Street Telephone (Lending): (780) 927-3715
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 Fax: (780) 927-3838
Fax: (780) 415-1218 Grande Prairie
102 - 10625 Westside Drive
Edson Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 8E6
PO Box 11 Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (780) 538-5234
Provincial Building Telephone (Insurance): (780) 538-5355
Edson, Alberta T7E 1T2 Telephone (Lending): (780) 538-5220
Telephone (Lending): (780) 723-8233 Fax: (780) 532-2560
Fax: (780) 723-8575
Grimshaw
Fairview Regional Office Box 802
Box 1188 5306 - 50th Street
Provincial Building 2nd Floor Grimshaw, Alberta T0H 1W0
10209 - 109th Street Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 332-4494
Fairview, Alberta T0H 1L0 Fax: (780) 332-1044
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 835-7547 Hanna
Fax: (780) 835-5834 Box 7 (Insurance)
Box 349 (Lending)
Fairview Provincial Building
Box 1188 401 Centre Street
Provincial Building Hanna, Alberta T0J 1P0
10209 - 109th Street Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 854-5525
Fairview, Alberta T0H 1L0 Fax: (403) 854-2590
Fax: (780) 835-3994 High Prairie
Provincial Building
Falher PO Box 1259
Box 658 5226 - 53rd Avenue
701 Main Street High Prairie, Alberta T0G 1E0
Falherm, Alberta T0H 1M0 Telephone (Insurance): (780) 523-6507
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 837-2521 Fax: (780) 523-6569
Fax: (780) 837-8223

High River Medicine Hat

Box 5208 111 - 7 Strachan Bay SE
129 - 4th Avenue SW Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 4Y2
High River, Alberta T1V 1M4 CAIS Analyst (403) 528-5257
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 652-8313 Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 488-4507
Fax: (403) 652-8306 Telephone (Insurance): (403) 488-4509
Fax: (403) 488-4516
Lacombe District Office Telephone (Lending): (403) 488-4508
Bay 105 - 4425 Heritage Wa Fax: (403) 488-4518
Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2P4
Telephone (Insurance): (403) 782-6800 Olds
Fax: (403) 782-6753 Provincial Building
101 - 5030 - 50th Street
Lamont Olds, Alberta T4H 1S1
Box 487 Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 556-4263
5014 - 50th Avenue Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 556-4334
Lamont, Alberta T0B 2R0 Fax: (403) 556-4255
Telephone (Lending): (780) 895-2459 Oyen
Fax: (780) 895-7755 Box 426
201 Main Street
Leduc Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
6547 Sparrow Drive Telephone (Insurance): (403) 664-3677
Leduc, Alberta T9E 7C7 Fax: (403) 664-2687
Telephone (Lending): (780) 986-0999 Peace River
Fax: (780) 986-1085 Bag 900 - 23
9809 - 98th Avenue
Lethbridge Regional Office Peace River, Alberta T8S 1J5
County of Lethbridge Building Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 624-6387
200, 905 - 4th Ave S Fax: (780) 624-6493
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0P4
Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 382-4383 Ponoka
Telephone (Insurance): (403) 381-5474 Box 4426
Telephone (Lending): (403) 381-5102 Provincial Building
Fax: (403) 381-5178 250, 5110 - 49th Avenue
Ponok, Alberta T4J 1S1
Manning Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 783-7040
Box 147 Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 783-7071
116 - 4th Avenue SW Fax: (403) 783-7925
Manning, Alberta T0H 2M0
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 836-3573 Provost
Fax: (780) 836-2844 Box 716
Provincial Building
5419 - 44th Street
Provost, Alberta T0B 3S0
Fax: (780) 753-2876

Red Deer Regional Office Stettler

Unit #1 - 7710 Gaetz Avenue Box 1807 (Insurance)
Red Deer, Alberta T4P 2A5 Bag 600 (Lending)
Telephone (Insurance): (403) 340-5379 Provincial Building
Fax: (403) 340-7999 4705 - 49th Avenue
Telephone (Lending): (403) 340-5326 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0
Fax: (403) 340-7004 Telephone (Insurance): (403) 742-7536
Fax: (403) 742-7911
Rimbey Telephone (Lending): (403) 742-7904
Box 888 Fax: (403) 742-7911
Provincial Building
5025 - 55th Street Stony Plain
Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 Provincial Building
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 843-4516 4709 - 44th Avenue
Fax: (403) 843-4150 Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1N4
Sedgewick Telephone (Insurance): (780) 963-0600
Box 266 Lending Phone: (780) 963-4720
4701 - 48th Avenue Fax: (780) 963-1251
Sedgewick, Alberta T0B 4C0
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 384-3880 Strathmore (includes Blackfoot Reserve)
Fax: (780) 384-2156 325 - 3rd Avenue
Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1B4
Smoky Lake Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (403) 361-9637
Box 602 Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 934-3616
Provincial Building Fax: (403) 934-5018
108 Wheatland Avenue
Smoky Lake, Alberta T0A 3C0 Taber
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 656-3644 Provincial Building
Fax: (780) 656-3669 5011 - 49th Avenue
PO Box 4
Spirit River Taber, Alberta T1G 1V9
Provincial Building Telephone (Insurance): (403) 223-7983
1st Floor 4602 - 50th Street Telephone (Lending): (403) 223-7920
Spirit River, Alberta T0H 3G0 Fax: (403) 223-7985
Fax: (780) 864-2529 Thorhild
County Administration Building
St. Paul Box 400
Provincial Building 801 - 1st Street
5025 - 49th Avenue Thorhild, Alberta T0A 3J0
St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A4 Telephone (Insurance): (780) 398-3933
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 645-6221 Fax: (780) 398-2087
Fax: (780) 645-2848

Three Hills Westlock

Provincial Building Provincial Building
160 - 3rd Avenue S 2 - 10003 - 100th Street
Three Hills, Alberta T0M 2A0 Westlock, Alberta T7P 2E8
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (403) 443-8515 Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (780) 349-6253
Fax: (403) 443-7519 Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 349-4544
Fax: (780) 349-5240
Valleyview
Provincial Building Alberta Health and Wellness
5112 - 50th Avenue www.health.alberta.ca
PO Box 1046 Telephone: (780) 427-7164
Valleyview, Alberta T0H 3N0
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 524-3838 Public Health Division
Fax: (780) 524-4565 24th Floor Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Vegreville Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
Box 1440 Telephone: (780) 427-7142
Vinet’s Village Mall
Suite 138 4925 - 50th Avenue Program Services Division
Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1S6 11th Floor Telus Plaza North Tower
Telephone (Insurance & Lending): (780) 632-5431 10025 Jasper Avenue
Fax: (780) 632-3385 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
Telephone: (780) 415-1581
Vermilion
Box 10 Alberta Infrastructure
Provincial Building www.infrastructure.alberta.ca
4701 - 52nd Street Telephone: (780) 415-0507
Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1J9
Telephone (CAIS Analyst): (780) 853-8238 Technical Services Branch:
Fax: (780) 853-1982 Building Engineering Section
3rd Floor Infrastructure Building
Vulcan 6950 – 113 Street
Box 847 Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5V7
102 - 1st Street S Telephone: (780) 422-7474
Vulcan, Alberta T0L 2B0 Fax: (780) 422-7479
Telephone (Lending): (403) 485-5141 Alberta Municipal Affairs
Fax: (403) 485-2947 www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca
Telephone: (780) 427-2732
Wainwright
Provincial Building Local Government Services Division:
810 - 14th Avenue
Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1R2 Municipal Services Branch
Telephone (Insurance): (780) 842-7547 17th Floor Commerce Place
Telephone (Lending): (780) 842-7542 10155 – 102 Street
Fax: (780) 842-4948 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4
Telephone: (780) 427-2225

Public Safety Division: Map Distribution Centre

2nd Floor 11510 Kingsway Avenue
Safety Services Branch Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2Y5
16th Floor Commerce Place Telephone: (780) 422-1053
10155 – 102 Street Fax: (780) 422 0896
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4 Email: MAPS.Alberta@gov.ab.ca
Toll free: 1-866-421-6929 www.srd.alberta.ca/informationcentre/
mapdistributioncentre.aspx
Alberta Sustainable Resource
Air Photo Distribution
Development Main Floor, Great West Life Building
www.srd.alberta.ca
9920 – 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Telephone: (780) 427-3520
Information Center Fax: (780) 422-9683
Main Floor, 9920 – 108 Street Email: Air.Photo@gov.ab.ca
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4 www.srd.alberta.ca/lands/geographicinformation/
Telephone: (780) 944-0313 airphoto/default.aspx
Toll free: 1-877-944-0313
Fax: (780) 427 4407 Natural Resources Conversation Board:
Email: srd.infocent@gov.ab.ca www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca
Lands Division Calgary Office

11th Floor Petroleum Plaza ST 3rd Floor, 640 5th Avenue S.W.
9915 - 108 Street Calgary, Alberta T2P 3G4
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8 Telephone: (403) 662-3990
Telephone: (780) 415-1396 Fax: (403) 662-3994
Fax: (780) 422-6068
Edmonton Office
Land Management Branch 4th Floor Sterling Place
3rd Floor Petroleum Plaza St 9940 -106 Street
9915 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N2
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8 Telephone: (780) 422-1977
Telephone (780) 427-3570 Fax: (780) 427-0607
Forestry Division Fairview Office

11th Floor Petroleum Plaza South Tower Provincial Building
9915 – 108 Street 10209-109 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8 Box 159, Fairview, Alberta T0H 1L0
Fax: (780) 835-3259
Fish and Wildlife Division
11th Floor Petroleum Plaza South Tower Lethbridge Office
9915 – 108 Street Agriculture Centre
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8 100, 5401 -1st Avenue S.
Telephone: (780) 427-6749 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6
Telephone: (403) 381-5166
Fax: (403) 381-5806

Morinville Office Parks Division:

Room 201, Provincial Building 2nd Floor Oxbridge Place
10008-107 Street 9820 – 106 Street
Morinville, Alberta T8R 1L3 Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
Fax: (780) 939-3194 Toll free: 1-866-427-3582
Fax: (780) 427-5980
Red Deer Office
Provincial Building Parks Area Offices:
# 303, 4920- 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 Northeast Area
Telephone: (403) 340-5241 P.O. Box 23
Fax: (403) 340-5599 2nd Floor, Provincial Building
9503 Beaverhill Road
Alberta Tourism, Parks, Lac La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0
and Recreation Telephone: (780) 623-5235
www.tpr.alberta.ca Fax: (780) 623-5239
Tourism Division: Northwest Area

Room 1301 Provincial Building
Tourism Business Development, Research 10320 99 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6J4
and Investment Branch Telephone: (780) 538-5350
6th Floor, Commerce Place Fax: (780) 538-5617
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 Southwest Area
Telephone: (780) 422-4991 4th Floor, Administration Building
Fax: (780) 427-6454 909 3rd Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 0H5
Tourism Development Branch Telephone: (403) 382-4097
10155 – 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 Southeast Area
Telephone: (780) 422-6544 Rm 301, Provincial Building
Fax: (780) 427-0778 346 - 3rd Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G7
Tourism Services Branch Telephone: (403) 528-5228
10155 – 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 West Central Area
Telephone: (780) 427-4327 Suite #1, 250 Diamond Avenue
Fax: (780) 415-0896 Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 4C7
Telephone: (780) 960-8170
Fax: (780) 960-8141

East Central Area North Central Region Office

#404, First Red Deer Place Box 4596
4911 - 51 Street 4513 - 62 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6V4 Barrhead, Alberta T7N 1A5
Fax: (403) 340-5575
Peace Region Office
Kananaskis Country 3rd Floor Provincial Building
Regional Director 9621 – 96 Avenue
#201, 800 Railway Avenue Peace River, Alberta T8S 1T4
Canmore, Alberta T1W 1P1 Telephone: (780) 624-6280
Telephone: (403) 678-5508 Fax: (780) 624-2440
Fax: (403) 678-5505
Alberta Government Library System Other Important Contacts

(Library Resource)
5th Floor, Commerce Place AlbertaFirst.com
10155 – 102 Street www.albertafirst.com
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 Box 71
Telephone: (780) 427-4957 or Government of Alberta Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A4
Toll free at 310-0000. Telephone: (587) 888-4602
Toll free: 1-866-209-5959
Alberta Transportation Email: info@albertafirst.com.
www.transportation.alberta.ca
Telephone: (780) 427-2731 The Business Link
www.canadabusiness.ab.ca
Transportation and Civil Engineering
2nd Floor Twin Atria Building Edmonton Office
4999 – 98 Avenue 100, 10237 - 104 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1B1
Toll free: 1-800-272-9675
Regional Offices: Fax: (780) 422-0055
Southern Region Office Calgary Office

3rd Floor Administration Building 250-639 5 Avenue SW
909 – 3 Avenue N Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9
Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 0H5 Telephone: (403) 221-7800
Telephone: (403) 381-5426 Toll free: 1-800-272-9675
Fax: (403) 382-4412 Fax: (403) 221-7817
Central Region Office Tourism Associations and

4th Floor Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street
Organizations
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 Please note: Other associations can be located on the
Telephone: (403) 340-5166 ATPR website: www.tpr.alberta.ca
Fax: (403)-340-4810

Banff/Lake Louise Tourism

www.banfflakelouise.com
Travel Alberta Corporation P.O. Box 1298
www.industry.travelalberta.com Banff, Alberta T1L 1B3
Telephone: (403) 762-8421
Travel Alberta (In Province) Fax: (403) 762-8163
10949 - 120 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3R2 Big Lake Country Tourism
Phone: (780) 732-1625 www.lesserslavelake.ca
Fax: (780) 423-6722 P.O. Box 1606
E-mail: inprovince@travelalberta.com Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0
Toll free: 1-800-267-4654
Travel Alberta - Marketing Information E-mail:tourism@lesserslavelake.ca
#500, 999 – 8th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J5 Boomtown Trail
Telephone: (403) 297-2700 www.boomtowntrail.com
Fax: (403) 297-5068 4803-50 Avenue
E-mail: info@TravelAlberta.com Camrose, Alberta T4V 0S1
Telephone: (780) 672-2710
Travel Alberta - Visitor Information Fax: (780) 672-4837
P.O.Box 2500 E-mail: info@boomtowntrail.com
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Z4
Toll free: 1- 800-252-3782 Brazeau Regional Tourism
Fax: (780) 427-0867 www.brazeautourism.ca
Email: travelinfo@TravelAlberta.com 6009 44th Avenue
Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1R4
Alberta Destination Marketing Telephone: (780) 542-7529
Fax: (780) 542-7523
Organizations: Email: info@brazeautourism.ca
Alberta’s Lakeland
Chinook Country Tourist Association
www.albertaslakeland.com
www.chinookcountry.com
Box 874
2805 Scenic Drive
St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 5B7
Telephone: (780) 645-2913
Telephone: (403) 329-6777
Toll free: 1-800-661-1222
Athabasca Country Tourism Fax: (403) 329-6177
www.athabascacountry.com
Email: info@chinookcountry.com
4705-49th Avenue
Athabasca, Alberta T9S 1B7
Edmonton Tourism
Telephone: (780) 675-2230
www.edmonton.com/tourism
Toll free: 1-877-211-8669
World Trade Centre Edmonton
Fax: (780) 675-4242
9990 Jasper Avenue
Email: tourism@athabascacounty.com
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1P7
Telephone: (780) 426-4715
Toll free: 1-800-463-4667

Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Tourism Calgary (CCVB)

www.gptourism.ca www.tourismcalgary.com
#114, 11330 – 106 Street Suite 200
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 7X9 238 – 11th Avenue SE
Toll free: 1-866-202-2202 Calgary, Alberta T2G 0X8
Telephone: (403) 263-8510
Jasper Tourism & Commerce Toll Free 1-800-661-1678
www.jaspercanadianrockies.com Fax: (403) 262-3809
P.O. Box 98 Fax: (780) 425-5283
Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0
Telephone: (780) 852-3858 Tourism Medicine Hat
Fax: (780) 852-4932 www.tourismmedicinehat.com
E-Mail: info@jaspercanadianrockies.com #8 Gehring Road SW
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 4W1
Kalyna Country Telephone: (403) 527-6422
www.kalynacountry.com Toll free: 1-800-481-2822
P.O. Box 496 Fax: (403) 528-2682
Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R6 E-mail: info@tourismmedicinehat.com
Toll free: 1-888-452-5962
Fax: (780) 632-3504 Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association
www.ahla.ca
Mighty Peace Tourist Association #401 – Centre 104, 5241 Calgary Trail
www.mightypeace.com Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5G8
Box 419 Telephone: (780) 436-6112
Berwyn, Alberta T0H 0E0 Toll free: 1-888-436-6112
Telephone: (780) 338-2364 Fax: (780) 436-5404
Toll Free 1-800-215-4535
Fax: (780) 338-3811 Alberta Outfitters Association 
Email: info@mightypeace.com www.albertaoutfitters.com
Box 277
Prairies to Peaks Tourism Association Caroline, Alberta T0M 0M0 
www.prairies2peaks.ca Toll free: 1-800-742-5548
5119 - 49 Avenue
Olds, Alberta T4H 1G2 Alberta Professional Outfitters Society
Telephone: (403) 556-1049 www.apos.ab.ca
Toll Free 1-888-556-8846 #103, 6030-88 St.
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6G4
The Cowboy Trail Tourism Association Telephone: (780) 465-6801
www.thecowboytrail.com Fax: (780) 414-0249
P.O. Box 5245
High River, Alberta T1V 1M4
Toll Free 1-866-627-3051
Fax: (403) 652-5907
E-mail: cowboytrail@telus.net

Alberta Tourism Destination Conference Board of Canada

Regions (TDR):
Canadian Tourism Research Institute
www.conferenceboard.ca
Alberta Central
255 Smyth Road
#303A, 4406 - 50 Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M7
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3Z6
Telephone: (613) 526-3280
Telephone: (403) 309-9412
Toll free: 1-866-711-2262
Fax: (613) 526-4857
Alberta North
#2, 4907 - 51 Street
Athabasca, Alberta T9S 1E7
Regional Airport Authorities
Telephone: (780) 675-3744
Calgary Airport Authority:
www.calgaryairport.com
Alberta South
3096 Dumore Road SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 2X2
Calgary International Airport
2000 Airport Road NE
Telephone: (403) 526-6355
Calgary, Alberta T2E 6W5
Telephone: (403) 735-1200
Calgary and Area
Fax: (403) 735-1281
www.tourismcalgary.com
Email: calgaryairport@yyc.com
120 - 9th Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 0P3
Telephone: (403) 218-7892
Springbank Airport
175 MacLaurin Drive SW
Calgary, Alberta T3Z 3S4
Canadian Rockies
Telephone: (403) 286-1494
Box 520
Fax: (403) 288-4488
Banff, Alberta T1L 1A6
Email: springbank@yyc.com
Telephone: (403) 762-0279
Edmonton and Area

Edmonton Regional Airport Authority:
www.flyeia.com
www.edmonton.com/tourism
5th floor, World Trade Centre Edmonton
9990 Jasper Avenue
Cooking Lake Airport
P.O. Box 9860
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1P7
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2T2
Telephone: (780) 917-7662
Telephone: (780) 890-8900
Toll free: 1-800-268-7134
Canadian Tourism Commission Fax: (780) 890-8329
www.canadatourism.com
Email: generalaviation@flyeia.com
Suite 1400, Four Bentall Centre
1055 Dunsmuir St./Box 49230
Edmonton City Centre Airport
P.O. Box 9860
Vancouver, British Columbia V7X 1L2
Telephone: (604) 638-8300
Telephone: (780) 890-8900
Toll free: 1-800-268-7134
Fax: (780) 890-8550

Edmonton International Airport

P.O. Box 9860
Telephone: (780) 890-8900
Fax: (780) 890-8329
Email: info@flyeia.com
Villeneuve Airport
P.O. Box 9860
Telephone: (780) 890-8900
Toll free: 1-800-268-7134
Fax: (780) 890-8329
Fort McMurray Regional Airport Commission

9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 2K4
Telephone: (780) 790-3900
Grande Prairie Airport Commission

Grande Prairie Airport
Suite 220, 10610 Airport Drive
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 7Z5
Telephone: (780) 539-5270
Fax: (780) 532-1520
Lethbridge County Airport

417 Stubb Ross Road, Suite 209
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7N3
Telephone: (403) 329-4466
Fax: (403) 329-8736
Peace River Airport

Town of Peace River
P.O. Box 6600
Peace River, Alberta T8S 1S4
Telephone: (780) 624-2867
Fax: (780) 624-3157

Notes and Comments

OTHER ALBERTA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT GUIDES:
Tourism Business Planning Guide
A guide to assist with the preparation of a
business plan
The Business Plan is a tool used by entrepreneurs to logically and

systematically plan all aspects of their business. Writing a business plan is
an important step in the development of a successful business. This guide is
designed as an aid to writing a business plan for an existing or prospective
tourism project.
Tourism Funding Sources Guide

A guide to funding and business advisory sources
Providing an overview of federal, provincial, and other agencies and

institutions that have funding programs for a range of tourism development
projects. This guide has been developed for for-profit businesses, non-profit
organizations/communities and tourism investors.
Tourism Development
Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Tourism Business Development, Research
Guide
and Investment Branch
6th Floor, Commerce Place This guide examines Alberta’s tourism industry and
10155 – 102 Street
provides a thorough analysis of tourism development in
Telephone: (780) 422-4991 the province. The information abides by the regulations
or 310-0000 (toll free anywhere
in Alberta) set by municipal, provincial and federal governments,
making it a practical tool for the first-time tourism
www.tpr.alberta.ca
developer.

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Tourism A guide to help navigate the tourism

Cautionary Note for Use of This Document

If you have any comments relative to this guide, please contact:

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation

Cautionary Note for Use of This Document 1

Section II: Defining the Project 12

Section III: Information Collection and Evaluation 24

Section IV: The Key Plans 58

Section V: Development and Licensing Approvals 63

Section VI: Contacts and Resources 82

• Tourism Business Planning Guide

promoting tourism investment in Alberta. We also encourage visitation to Alberta through

Tourism represents an area of significant business opportunity in Alberta. This

What’s Unique about Tourism Development

Why a Step-By-Step Guide Is Needed

Developing your idea for a tourism business also means

When Professional Help

• Projects aimed at international markets may benefit from evaluation by an advisor

• A development in a remote area may require professional engineering or geo-technical

• Sometimes a third party assessment is required by an investor or lender to validate

The Basic Components of Development

Chart 1 – Basic Components of Development Analysis

Market Demand Market Supply

Develop a Business Concept Examine Land Options

Market Analysis Financial Analysis Project Site Evaluation

Business Plan Physical Concept Plan

Development and Financing

Your New Tourism Business

• What is your sustainable environmental/green position?

Notes and Comments

Section II: Defining the Project

Initial Look at Market Supply and Demand

Ask yourself these questions:

Initial Look at the Development Process

12 Section II: Defining The Project

The land base of Alberta is a mix of public and private

Land-use planning, subdivision and development control

Tourism, Parks and Recreation is responsible for land

It is suggested that developments will always require

It is prudent to be aware of the procedures involved in obtaining approvals for a

Further information on the NRCB process is available at: www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca or by

An early look at financing is also critical to the success of a development. It is wise to

Section II: Defining The Project 13

A general idea of financial requirements should lead to an investigation into sources of

Developing a Business Concept

• To build a sustainable campground facility providing a higher quality experience

• To provide horseback rides on sustainable trails to the growing number of people on

14 Section II: Defining The Project

Examining Options For Land-Based

Section II: Defining The Project 15

Environmental Assessment Process

Further information on the EAP process is available at: www.environment.alberta.

Historic Resource Impact Assessments (HRIA)

Historic resources include archaeological and paleontological sites, historic buildings

16 Section II: Defining The Project

Further information on the HRIA process is available at: www.culture.alberta.ca

Aboriginal Consultation Process

Section II: Defining The Project 17

The Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing

Two provincial departments are involved in the ATRL process:

• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (process administration).

• integration with existing land uses.

Stage 1: Preparation, Submission and Review of Application

Section II: Defining the Project 12

Section III: Information Collection and Evaluation 24

Section IV: The Key Plans 58

Section V: Development and Licensing Approvals 63

Section VI: Contacts and Resources 82